MLK Day of Service with Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons MLK Day of Service drop site at the Swarthmore Community Center, hosted by The MOMS Club of Media 

What We Need

We are in dire need the below current items:

• New or Gently Winter Boots and Shoes – infant to adult 9
• New or Gently Coats (Hats and Gloves)- infant to 14/16
• New or Gently Coats - long pants - 5/6 to 14/16
• New Socks and Underwear- 2T to 14/16
• New PJ’s - infant to 14/16

• Clothing, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth) 
• Winter boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and youth/adult sizes 1–10)
• Hats, gloves, scarves 
• Fall/Spring jackets, sizes newborn - 14/16 (youth) 
• Books, especially baby board books and chapter books for children ages 10-12
• New arts and crafts/school supplies 
• Baby crib & bassinet bedding (no bumpers, please)
• Baby carriers (sling, Bjorn, Snuggli, etc.)
• Diaper Bags
• Diapers 
• Baby equipment, especially strollers, pack-n-plays and car seats (car seats must be less than 5 years old)
  • Other items we accept: high chairs, baby swings/rockers, baby bouncy seats, baby bath tubs
  • No cribs, please 
• Baby safety equipment (gates, bed rails, outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc.) 
• New baby hygiene supplies
• Batteries, especially AA and C

What We Can’t Accept

• ADULT CLOTHING sizes M, L, XL+
• Due to the recent drop‐side crib recall, we are no longer accepting cribs of any kind
• Stuffed animals
• Car seats older than five years or that have been in an accident 
• DVDs/CDs/VHS tapes/computer games
• Furniture
• Room decor
• Religious books/toys, including Christmas/Easter/Hannukah/Kwanzaa related items
• Books about families (“I Love Mommy,” “Daddy and I”)
• Underwear or socks out of its package or that are used 
• Used bathing suits
• High-heeled shoes and shoes that are not in great condition
• Soccer cleats 
• Clothing that is stained, torn, or has family writing ("mommy", "daddy", etc.) 
• Military related or violent toys/games (no guns of any type) 
• Oversized plastic play toys (please no toys larger than 24 inches) 
• Large backyard toys, slides, swings, baby pools, and structures
• Used hygiene products
• Baby food
• Breast feeding supplies
• Used arts and crafts/school supplies

What is Cradles to Crayons?

http://www.cradlestocrayons.org/

Cradles to Crayons Local Clothing Drives

Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia provides in-need children from birth to age 12 with the essential items they need to thrive at school & in their community.  They're currently collecting at a number of Delaware County locations, making it easier than ever to donate your new & gently used children's clothes & supplies!


GAP at Springfield Mall   |   1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064Through Aug. 31Donate new school supplies, new & gently-used children's clothing (sizes infant-14/16) and new & gently-used footwear (sizes infant-adult 10) during regular business hours.

Swiss Farms   |   Donate at any of the 13 locations.
Through Aug. 31
Donate only new school supplies during regular business hours


Participating Ten Thousand Villages Stores

Ardmore, PA  |  Center City Philadelphia, PA  |  Chestnut Hill, PA  |  Exton, PA  |  Media, PA  |  Souderton, PA
Whitehall, PA  |  Wilmington, DE

August 1 – 29

Donors Aug. 1-29 receive COUPON FOR 25%-off single item at participating local Ten Thousand Villages stores.

Cradles to Crayons Collection Drive, Swarthmore Borough

The Swarthmore Community Center (SCC) is excited to partner with Cradles to Crayons in a borough wide collection. Cradles to Crayons is a local nonprofit organization that combats the effects of poverty faced by children in the Greater Philadelphia area.    We will be collecting essential everyday items for disadvantaged children, ages 0-12, in support of their mission. A list of Cradles to Crayons most needed items can be found  HERE.

 Collection boxes will be placed in the following locations from April 27th-May 11th.

The Swarthmore Community Center, bins located on the side porch

The Creative Living Room

Hobbs Coffee

The Swarthmore Coop

T. Bumble , Purchase a new toy, game or puzzle & donate in the collection bin in the store.

Borough Hall

Representatives from the SCC will be located in front of Vickie’s at the Swarthmore Fun Fair on May 4th.  We’ll be making birthday cards & selling tickets for a chance to win breakfast with Chief Craig at Vicky’s PLUS a ride with the chief in a police car!  In addition, on May 9th we will host a Ladies Night Out Bingo beginning at 7pm, with proceeds donated to Cradles to Crayons.  Cash prize presented to the winning team!  

Shire's Big Give to benefit Cradles to Crayons

Shire’s Big Give is an annual region-wide community donation drive that benefits Cradles to Crayons. Groups & individuals are invited to donate new and gently used clothing, coats, books, toys, baby safety equipment, school supplies, and any item a child between 0-12 might need to Big Give events in Philadelphia.

DELAWARE COUNTY
Springfield Mall (Parking lot off of Baltimore Pike)
1250 Baltimore Pike
Springfield, PA 19064 
HOURS:    Saturday, October 5, 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Gently used and new infant and children’s clothing, coats, shoes, sneakers, boots, jackets, backpacks, books, toys, sports equipment and baby safety equipment. New items such as socks and underwear, diapers, baby bottles, sippy cups, art/craft/school supplies, infant soap, shampoo and batteries. See full list >

Cleaning out a closet? Going shopping? Here are our most-needed items:

• Pants sizes 7/8 – 14/16
• New socks and underwear
• Sneakers, sizes adult 2-8
• Baby toys and board books
• Baby carriers (Baby Bjorn, Snugli, etc)
• Carseats with base (no older than 5 years old)
• New baby hygiene supplies
• Crib & bassinette bedding
• Diaper bags
• Notebooks, binders, and filler paper, and folders
• Pencil sharpeners, scissors, rulers

Fellow Mommy Bloggers Hop Into Action to Help Us Spread the Word About the Drive for Cradles to Crayons Happening at The Springfield Mall

Who else wants their picture taken with the Easter Bunny at The Springfield Mall ?

These "Mommy Bloggers" got together to help spread the word about the drive happening at The Springfield Mall for the local charity Cradles to Crayons.

Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization that provides children in the Philadelphia area living in homeless or low income situations with the basic essentials they need to feel safe, warm, and ready to learn.

When you drop off your donation of new or gently used children's clothes at the Customer Service Desk, you'll receive a discount for pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Even if you don't have anything at home to donate, you can still help!

Pick up an Easter Egg from the Customer Service Desk & while you're already at the mall, purchase an item or two that are always in need at Cradles to Crayons; Such as: 

 Boys Pants, sizes 7-16

Boys PJs, sizes 11-16

Girls PJs, sizes 11-16

New Girls Underwear sizes 5/6 and 7/8

New Boys Underwear sizes 3T to 11/12

This drive will continue through March 30! 

 Please Join Delco PA Moms and The Springfield Mall in supporting this drive for Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia!

Springfield Mall, Cradles to Crayons & Me!

I am SOOO excited to announce that I'm teaming up with not only my fave charity, Cradles to Crayons but also the Springfield Mall this spring!  We're partnering to provide low income children with clothing they need to thrive!  Starting March 8th, drop off your donation of new or gently used children's clothes at the Springfield Mall Customer Service Desk and you'll receive a discount for pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Don't have any clothes to donate but still want to help?  Pick up an Easter Egg from the Customer Service Desk & purchase an item (or two!) that is always in need at Cradles to Crayons!  As part of my 40 bags in 40 days goal this spring, I'll be dropping off items at the mall next week, I can't wait to add my bag to the donation!

I'd like to give a huge THANK YOU to the Springfield Mall and the people there who contacted me after reading my 40 bags in 40 days post and then offering to partner with us to make this event happen!  I'm so happy to be helping one of my favorite charities & doing it so close to home makes it even better!


For more information on the drive, see below!

The Easter Bunny will be at Center Court at Springfield Mall, beginning Friday, March 8, not only to help launch his namesake holiday at the major Delaware County shopping hub, but also to kick off a joint clothes collection drive with Cradles to Crayons for the region’s disadvantaged children.

The collection effort – to continue through March 30 – is a collaboration between the more than 70 merchants at the Mall and Cradles to Crayons, the local nonprofit that provides children, from birth to age 12, living in low-income and homeless situations with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play.

The Easter Bunny is scheduled to hop into Center Court at the Mall, 1250 Baltimore Pike, at 10:00 a.m. on March 8.

Shoppers who drop off donations of new or nearly new clothing (from footwear to winter coats, and new socks and underwear) at the Mall’s Customer Service center (located near Ruby Tuesday's) will receive a discount off photos with the Easter Bunny. Shoppers will also be able to select from baskets of “Easter eggs,” individualized egg-shaped cards that identify an item of clothing needed by an area low-income and/or homeless child, and purchase items on the eggs from stores within the mall. The purchases will be gathered by courtesy desk staff and provided to Cradles to Crayons, from which local social service agencies, including homeless and domestic violence shelters, schools, and foster homes, will distribute them to the children in their care.

Cradles to Crayons, MLK Day Region-Wide Collection

MLK Day Region-Wide Collection on Monday, January 21

Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia is looking to the community for support during a huge collection driving taking place this Monday, January 21, 2013.  There will be collections sites throughout the Philadelphia region, go HERE for a list in you area.

I will be at the Swarthmore Community Center location from 10am-1pm so please stop by, donate and keep me company! 

Cradles to Crayons was founded in 2002, with the mission of providing to children ages 0 to 12 some of the most important basics of life—free of charge.
These basics include clothing, school supplies, toys, and much more. In other words, we provide all the physical goods that children need to be safe, protected from the elements, and ready to learn. And by supplying them with high-quality used or new goods, we make children feel valued.

Media Elementary Cradles to Crayons Drive for MLK Day

Clean out your closets and bring in gently-used toys and clothing for donation to Cradles to Crayons! Most needed items include board books for ages 0-2, infant toys, ages 9 to 12 sized clothing (especially pants and jeans), and new socks and underwear for 2T to 14/16. For more details please click HERE .

Note: stuffed animals are not accepted. We will be accepting donations from January 9 to 20, 2013.

Please bring your donations for Cradles to Crayons to the Flexbox storage box in the parking lot of the Media Borough Hall complex starting 1/9/13 though 1/20/13. The Flexbox is at the Media Borough complex parking lot right near the flag pole at the corner of 4th and Jackson Streets. It is unlocked. Just lift off the velcro covering on the end of the box facing towards State Street, and rotate the upper and lower "key latches" to open the box. Put your donations in and close it back up, and you are done! Donations will be sorted by Media Elementary children on MLK Day then taken to the C2C warehouse for donation. Thanks!

Cradles to Crayons-urgent call for volunteers!

I just received this in an email & wanted to pass it on-please contact Cradles to Crayons if you can help!There is an urgent need so they can fill all their KidPacks before the holidays!  

Cradles to Crayon's Un-Gala, December 1st.

There are still tickets available & they can use all the help they can get!  Go HERE to purchase tickets!

Delaware County Shopping Guide

Hi friends!  We've put together a list of fantastic local people & resources to help you find great options for holiday shopping right in your back yard.  There are so many great option, this list only scratches the surface!  Helping local businesses and people is always good for Delaware County!  I encourage you to look around close to home to find unique gifts that the people in your life would like to receive! 

Family Gifts: Great options for a one shot deal!

• The Media Theatre close to home and lots of fun!
• Arden Theatre Tickets My family loves going to the children's theater & my husband & I enjoy going without the kids!
• Tyler Arboretum Membership: Tons of family fun throughout the year and plenty of room for energetic kids to run, the Tyler Arboretum offers something for everyone in the family.
• Wilmington Blue Rocks :  A variety of game packages, the Blue Rocks will entertain your family all summer long.  Package tickets with t-shirts and hats to make a great winter holiday gift!
• Weld Photography Give the gift of a portrait session with Weld Photography. Purchase a Special Discounted Gift Certificate for a Mini Portrait Session using discount code: DELCOMOM.
  Give this gift for the holiday and schedule a portrait session for later in the year...or use it right away to schedule Holiday Portraits!

For the Kids:
Raise your hand if you need one more toy in your house.....(all you hear are crickets here!)  Giving the gift of an experience not only lasts longer, but often exposes children to things they may have never known!

• Please Touch Museum
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Guitar and lessons---what a cool gift idea and of course a local store!  Richard's Guitar Studio offers a ton of lessons and a variety of teachers to get your kid interested in guitar! Mention this list & you receive 1/2 off your first month of lessons!
• Upper Darby Performing Arts Center-get tickets to one show or buy an entire season!  

For Him or Her:

• Longwood Gardens
• 31 Gifts has some very feminine prints, it does have a few options for men that won't break the bank!  Right now, spend $35 before tax & shipping and get a Medium Utility Tote for only $5!!! 
• LuLu's at Booths Corner in Aston.  I had multiple emails about the store & they have such cool jewelry! &nbsp
• Finlandia-has tons of interesting options!  
• Iron Hill Brewery Beer Gift Package (if you're looking for me, I'd take this!)
• MJ's Massage Studio MJ is great at what he does & always has a special that makes the massage not only feel good but affordable!  

Miscellaneous items:

• Main Line Art Center---Give the gift of art!  They have gift certificates available if you want to make sure your giftee gets exactly what they're looking for!  (Craft Sale starts November 30th)
• I love these hand made crafts by Laura Plum Designs! Unique scrabble tile ornaments or Sea Glass jewelry.  Awesome!
• Earth and State in Media has a ton of great items in varying price ranges, so there is something on everyone's list! 
• Bevans----who doesn't like candy!  I get candy here every single year! 
• Chadds Ford Winery

For the person on your list who has everything, consider making a donation!  Donations to local charties such as Kisses for Kyle,  Cradles to Crayons, Delaware County SPCA and Philabundance also stay local and help people in need who might be our neighbors & friends!  

3rd Annual Costume Swap & Ladies Night Out!

If you've begun to think about costumes for your children this Halloween, this is the event for you!!! Swapping costumes saves so much...money because you're just trading and resources because there is no additional packaging going into landfills from purchasing more costumes.

If you've already got a new costume, feel free to trade ones from previous years for dress-up clothes, it's more fun with more costumes!
Here are the rules of the swap:

• To participate you must bring at least 1 gently used costume in good condition.
• You can take as many costumes as you bring (ie: you brought 2 costumes, you can take 2 costumes)
• Have fun & think outside the box!  Picked up a tutu but your kid wants to be rocker?  Add some funky jewelry & colored hair for an epic 80's inspired costume!

This event is free and is also a BYO, so bring a friend & a bottle of wine! We're providing the appetizers. There are also some fabulous vendors who will be at the center, feel free to start your Christmas shopping early!

For info on our vendors & to RSVP ( we want to have plenty of food!!!) check out our Event HERE!

We're also collecting for my favorite charity Cradles to Crayons!  If you have any new or gently used kids toys, clothes or supplies bring them along and we'll make sure they get to area kids that need them! 

This event was inspired & registered at Green Halloween!

Favorite Local Nonprofit

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! In honor of all the winter holidays, I'm participating in the 12 days of Holidays Carnival. Starting today, I'm posting my favorite holiday traditions, budget friendly ideas, etc.  I'll also be linking up with some of my favorite bloggers!

Today's topic:  1. Favorite Local Nonprofit

This is a tough one for me.  There are so many great nonprofits that help so many people in our area.  So I'll list my top three~maybe cheating but I don't care!

#1.  Philabundance:  Did you know there are nearly 1 million people who face hunger every day in the Delaware Valley?  "Philabundance was created in 1984 with the simple belief that no man, woman or child should go hungry."  Philabundance is the areas largest food bank and can feed one person for as little as 30 cents.  Find more information and consider making a donation at http://www.philabundance.org/

#2.  Cradles to Crayons:  How can this not be my top 3?!  The mission of Cradles to Crayons (C2C) is to provide children living in low income and homeless situations from birth to preteen the basic essentials,free of charge, that they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn.  What I love the most about C2C is that it is so easy to help.  I can donate the clothes my children have never worn or worn very little & that makes a big difference in the life of another child!   C2C also accepts monetary donations.  To learn more check out http://cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia/about-us. 

#3.  Delaware County SPCA:  I have to be honest, I've know about the SPCA for a while but until we decided it was time to get a dog for our family, I had never been to the SPCA.  One trip was all it took, we found a great dog that our family loves and it made us realize how many other animals need the help of organizations like the SPCA. No donation it too big or too small.  Old towels and blankets, they use them for the animals, a few minutes a week to walk a dog, you can help too!  This year my 8 year old daughter wants to use some of her birthday money to buy treats for the dogs who are still at the SPCA.  I love that we have found an organization that she wants to help!  If you're interested in finding out more about the SPCA or considering adopting a pet of your own go to http://delcospca.org/. 

What are your favorite local nonprofit organizations?  Do any of yours match mine?

Cradels to Crayons~In need of donations and volunteers

Cradles to Crayons is one of my all-time favorite organizations to support. For one thing, as a mother, the thought of another child in need of basic necessities breaks my heart. Secondly, they accept gently used clothing & supplies and lets face it, my kids have plenty of clothing they have never worn. It cost me no money and very little time to make a difference in someone else's life.

The shelves at the wharehouse are almost empty!!!

Cradles to Crayons is currently in serious need of supplies and volunteers and community partners to help them, help families in the Philadelphia metropolitian area.  I'm currently planning a drive in October, but they need help now!  They accept the following:
-Clothing sizes newborn – 14/16 (we especially need summer clothing right now)
-Shoes and sandals
-Toys
-Books
-Baby equipment (stroller, car seat, pack-n-play, bouncy seat, bath tub)

Go HERE for tons of information!

Cradles to Crayons is located in a 16,500-square-foot warehouse at 30 Clipper Road, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 and you can call them at 215-836-0958.

If you make it up there, make sure you tell them I said hi! 

Moms' Night Out Bingo---A prize list is included!

Event Details:

April 8th from 7:30-10:30 pm

Mom's Night Out Bingo Night BYO

at the

Swarthmore Community Center

Cost $5 per Mom for soft drinks, light apps & Bingo

We will be collecting gently used children's clothing & supplies to be donated to Cradels to Crayons for families in need around the Philadelphia metropolitan area..

This even is sponsored by the Swarthmore Community Center Playgroup!  Below is a list of fab ladies who have donated prizes, making our event a success.  (This list is a work in progress so keep check back for more items!)I also want the prizes to be kind of a surprise, so you don't see specific items until after event....but they're awesome!

Dos Primas donated two custom necklaces.

Michelle Jordan Photography donated a beautiful photography gift.

Susan Danzi of Premier Jewelry Designs donated a gift certificate.

Fantasia Home Parties donated a gift.

Avon donated a gift.

Anne Nikolaus of Stella & Dot donated an amazing necklace!

Aimee Snelbaker from Pure Romance donated a prize package.

Hobby House Retreat donated a gift certificate.

Melisa Mons donated a Choffy gift package (and the Choffy is awesome :).

Happy Baby donated a prize package
Mom's Club of Wallingford Swarthmore donated 2 Trader Joe's Gift Cards
We also have a California Pizza Kitchen Gift Card & 2 gift certificates to the Philly Phaithful.

More to come!!!

Mom's Night Out

I have some super fab prizes...don't worry, you'll get a sneak peak soon!

We are having a Mom's Night Out/Bingo Night on April 8th to benefit Cradels to Crayons. Cradels to Crayons donates gently used & new children's clothing & new supplies to families in need around the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Event Details:

SAVE the DATE

April 8th from 7:30-10:30 pm

Mom's Night Out Bingo Night BYO

at the

Swarthmore Community Center

Cost $5 per Mom (where are you going to go and get a better deal!) and includes soft drinks, light apps & Bingo

We will be collecting gently used children's clothing & supplies to be donated to Cradels to Crayons.

This even is sponsored by the Swarthmore Community Center Playgroup!

Mom's Night Out!

I am currently working on a fantastic charity event and I need your help!

We are having a Mom's Night Out/Bingo Night on April 8th to benefit Cradels to Crayons. Cradels to Crayons donates gently used & new children's clothing & new supplies to families in need around the Philadelphia metropolitian area.

I am looking for Bingo prizes & event sponsors so we can make this event a huge sucess! Sponsorship starts at $10, so this event is affordable for everyone!  All sponsors will be listed in an upcoming post on Delaware County Moms.  Emails me at Jess(at)delcopamoms(dot)com with any questions as well. 

Event Details:

SAVE the DATE

April 8th from 7:30-10:30 pm

Mom's Night Out Bingo Night BYO

at the

Swarthmore Community Center

Cost $5 per Mom and includes soft drinks, light apps & Bingo

We will be collecting gently used children's clothing & supplies to be donated to Cradels to Crayons.