Cradles to Crayons Seeks MLK Day Clothing Donations

Cradles to Crayons (C2C) of Philadelphia is commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, with a clothing drive. The organization invites members of the public to donate new or gently used clothing, winter gear, and shoes for local children living in low-income and homeless situations. Winter coats are especially needed.

Multiple drop-off sites for donations will be staged across Philadelphia, including the following: 

A complete list of locations is available on the Cradles to Crayons website.

Clothing collection will run through Monday, Jan. 19, aligning with the MLK Weekend of Service (Jan. 17–19).

According to The South Philly Review, the community can also get involved by providing financial support through the I Have a Dream program. This initiative helps children in need by offering Dream Packs with pajamas, hygiene items, and essentials for a suggested $33 donation per child.

Additionally, community members can organize their own collection drives at schools, neighborhoods, or workplaces. Collected items can be delivered to C2C's Giving Factory in East Falls or at one of the drop-off locations to keep the shelves at the Giving Factory stocked.

Volunteers are needed at the Giving Factory warehouse to inspect, sort, and package donations. Morning and afternoon shifts are available on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17–18. Space is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged.

“Philadelphians take pride in taking care of our own. As costs continue to rise and so many families face tough choices on basic essentials, we need to come together and support those in need,” said Michal Smith, executive director of Cradles to Crayons-Philadelphia, in a statement shared with The South Philly Review. “Each year, our MLK donation drive is vital to filling our shelves with clothing, coats, and shoes for children throughout the Philadelphia area, and every act of service, small or large, makes a true difference.”