SPRING SERVICE
In support of Cradles to Crayons.
TOOLKIT 2026
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial-Share Alike4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/. It is attributed to Project 351.
Project 351 encourages you to use this Toolkit to inspire youth service and build unity, for research, or other noncommercial purposes with proper citation when used publicly. Please use the following citation when referencing this Toolkit: Project 351. (2025). Spring Service Toolkit. 2025 Edition. Boston, MA. For clarification or questions, contact Project 351 directly at info@project351.org.
Welcome
In your hands—and inside every member of our 351 community—is the inspiration, information, and blueprint you need to help in your hometown. These pages include the knowledge and motivation to guide your development of Spring Service.
This Toolkit gains its strength from you. It will be your companion for Spring Service Leadership Academy, resource for best practices, and canvas for your goals and vision. Please use it to guide your service journey, strengthen your confidence and courage as leader, and mobilize your community to Unite. Act. Lead!
At each stage of Spring Service, we “Learn, Act, and Reflect” to ensure our vision, action plan, and values reflect the best of us and respect for the dignity of those we serve. Thank you for all the ways you lead and inspire—including this critically needed campaign in support of children in homeless and economically challenged circumstances.
We can’t wait to begin!
AMBASSADOR COMMITMENT TO LEAD
Our community is led by a set of guiding principles — each of which is essential to our mission and important to our unity and well-being. Throughout this service year, we hope that you gain an understanding of the Project 351 values and ethos that define our service, our community, and the world that we hope to build.
We are a youth-led movement for positive social change, defined by courage, compassion, and a spirit of unity that thrives with hope. We build from a foundation of gratitude for those who came before us — our families and communities, Alumni, and a long, rich history of Service Heroes, movement makers, and change agents.
As an Ambassador...
I begin and end—my service, leadership, and community building—in gratitude
I commit to Project 351’s core values as my North Star: kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
I serve with a deep understanding of my own motivations, enriched by self-reflection and a dedication to kaizen the ideal of continuous improvement.
I believe in the power of audacious hope, the transformative impact of kindness, and the unlimited potential of 35ONE the belief and practice that we are stronger together.
I lead with love, serve with compassion, and build bridges with respect for the dignity of all. I reject racism, bigotry, hatred, and bullying of any kind and in every form.
I embrace the knowledge and joy found in a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
I use my voice to inspire, express appreciation, encourage friendship, and amplify the unheard.
I devote my gifts to the causes and issues that inspire my passion; and to the unifying vision of the Beloved Community.
I step up and stand up as an ally and champion for those in need of our advocacy and friendship.
As I serve and support others, I prioritize my own wellness, care, and affirmation -- mindful that 35ONELove begins with self-love.
I will UNITE, ACT, LEAD with purpose, passion, and pride.
And, as a proud member of the Class of 2026 and 35ONE community, I will demonstrate that our generation is a mighty force for extraordnary change.
Our service ethos
The Four Core Values of Project 351
Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, considerate, and warm toward all others
Compassion: The instinct to care deeply about others through greater understanding of their life story and circumstances
Humility: The characteristic of being modest, recognizing that my experiences and perspectives are one of many
Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; demonstrating appreciation and kindness with joy
Each time that we UNITE, ACT, LEAD in service, we express...
Begin in gratitude for the privilege of service and the opportunity to learn from those with whom we serve.
Enter into community with humility and respect.
Respect and value the dignity of all.
Serve “with” not “for” community. Communities are rich in wisdom, initiatives, and ideas, but often lack vital resources that allow them to achieve their vision. When we serve, we support their vision by mobilizing resources that may be lacking.
Together, we are stronger. Collaborative teamwork increases service excellence. Respect for the opinions, ideas, and perspectives of others is essential.
We are one team, one community, one family...35ONE!
Service is joy!
The playbook initiative
Bringing the Values of the Playbook into Spring Service
We’re excited to introduce The Playbook Initiative, our partnership with the Boston Celtics to eradicate hate, bias, and discrimination in any form. Leadership Reunion will feature Playbook as an opportunity for you to learn, reflect, and lead as bridge builders and upstanders.
Playbook is a unique model that uses real-world scenarios – written by eighth graders – to build awareness of bias and discrimination based on race, religion, and identity. Led by our High school Alumni Trainers, Playbook Workshops strengthen your skills to create positive change in your community and our world.
As a preview of what you’ll experience at Reunion, this Toolkit features two Playbook-style scenarios, focused on childhood poverty and equitable access to the everyday essentials required to thrive. You can find the scenarios on the facing page and page 129.
We encourage you to use these scenarios as a forum for discussion, reflection, and team building with your LT. Strengthen your skills of active listening and respect, build greater awareness of your classmates and neighbors experiencing clothing insecurity, and strengthen your empathy and kindness – two essential superpowers of leadership!
Spring Service Scenario 1: Inspired by Playbook
By Class of 2017 Alumni: Justin Crosby, Middleton; KeeSeok Lee, Harvard; Sreenidhi Ravipati, Medway; and Ana Rodrigues, Taunton
You notice that a student in your class has been wearing the same shirt to school for the past week. Others notice, too, and begin to make fun of them. One of your friends calls attention to the student and laughingly suggests: “you should learn how to do laundry!” The student hears them and is hurt and upset. The next day, they are absent from school.
Discussion Questions
H ow will this teasing and ridicule impact the student’s confidence and experience at school?
Why do you think the other students made fun of the student for wearing the shirt for multiple days? What motivates the students’ teasing and lack of kindness?
You learn that the student wears the same clothing frequently because their family cannot afford new clothes. How would you feel if you were in their situation?
Intervention Options
Engage an educator or caring adult. In confidence, share the student’s challenge and their experience of bullying. Explore options of support, including C2C and Catie’s Closet.
E xtend kindness to the student and help encourage their self-esteem. Share information about C2C and/or Catie’s Closet, and encourage them to engage an educator for support.
M odel your leadership as bridge builder by expressing disappointment in your friends’ jokes at the expense of others. Advise that people often experience challenges out of their control. And, ridiculing others is not acceptable.
Project Dedication
As we begin Spring Service, we invite you to honor an individual(s) through a special Project Dedication. Someone who inspires you as a role model for service leadership -- a family member, mentor, educator, Service Hero, or someone you admire from afar.
Project Dedications motivate our best efforts. As you serve, use the inspiration of your Project Dedication to lead with excellence. And, as motivation when you face challenges. The generosity and kindness you will generate through service will be a wonderful testament to this important individual. What a great way to appreciate the impact of their example!
This spring, I dedicate my service to:
Why do you want to appreciate and honor this person?
What impact have they had on your life?
What leadership lessons have you learned from their example?
How will you model their example as you lead service Spring Service?
How to Use This Toolkit
This Toolkit is your guide for the first chapter of your Ambassador year. In it, you’ll find guidance, inspiration, best practices, and plenty of room to reflect, plan, and execute. But, the Toolkit is only valuable if you invest in it.
Each chapter is structured by three strategies for leading change: LEAD, ACT, & REFLECT. With each page turned, you’ll strengthen your efforts to provide care and support for the children served by Cradles to Crayons. So dive in and dream big!
1. Learn
As we learned throughout SLA, we can’t solve problems we don’t understand. And, to truly understand, we must seek knowledge, perspective, and wisdom from those most familiar, committed, and affected by the cause to which we are devoted.
THE WISDOM OF “FIVE”
Throughout this Toolkit, we’re going to pause and Take Five—an opportunity to reflect and learn from a Project 351 champion whose expertise we value. Each will share five lessons of leadership to guide and inform your service. We’re very grateful to our Take Five team for sharing their wisdom and believing in YOU!
ALUMNI INSPIRATION
The Class of 2026 stands on the shoulders on 5,229 Alumni who have worn the navy tee and served their community with excellence. Their reflections and lessons learned from leading Spring Service offer invaluable perspective.
2.Act
Your leadership of Spring Service will take many forms including building an Action Plan, team management, Spreading the Word (STW), and—of course—service! Each action should reflect our values and thoughtful intention, and be executed with optimism and joy!
GRAPHIC QUOTES
Every Toolkit chapter features an inspirational quote or statistic in graphic form that reflects or reinforces a key message. Each week, you will be given the same graphic to share on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels to help you STW!
3.Reflect
Leadership is a continuous journey. The best leaders dedicate time and effort to learn from each experience—both successes and challenges. By reflecting on strengths and opportunities for further growth, we ensure our next service mission will have even greater success.
QUESTIONS
Guiding questions invite your reflections and insights, and provide documentation of your leadership-in-action.
ACTION STEPS
At the close of each chapter, this summary of important priorities will help focus your efforts and maximize your time.
Glossary
These are key components of Spring Service and our vision for building community. This glossary will serve as a great guide throughout your service.
AMBASSADOR
Inspiring 8th grade leader committed to unite, act, lead in support of Cradles to Crayons!
ALUMNI
An experienced veteran of Project 351. Wise, supportive, encouraging, and filled with best practices from previous service projects.
CELEBRATE & APPRECIATE
A Project 351 tradition. After service is done, our efforts to express gratitude and enthusiastically share the impact of service with your team and community.
CRADLES TO CRAYONS (C2C)
High-impact nonprofit organization that provides children living in low income and homeless situations with the everyday essentials that allow them feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. (See Chapter 2 for more C2C inspiration!)
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
The term C2C uses to describe new and like-new clothing, shoes, books, and educational toys they provide the children they serve.
KIDPACKS
C2C KidPacks are customized packages of everyday essential items tailored to an individual child's specific needs, and includes the child’s exact size clothing, coats, and shoes. Customized KidPacks foster dignity, pride, and joy.
LEADERSHIP TEAM (LT)
Friends, classmates, and teammates who will share valuable skills, ideas, and time to ensure the success of Spring Service.
QUALITY = DIGNITY
A C2C philosophy shared by Project 351 that reflects how we serve in community—with our very best and with respect for the communities we are privileged to serve. This Spring, our goal is to provide the children we are serving with high quality everyday essential items that they will be excited and proud to wear.
QUALITY SORT
The final step of Spring Service. Team-based service to prepare your donations for delivery. As you sort and pack, you will ensure that all clothing meet the "quality standard" provided by C2C. (Chapter 7 and Project 351 training will provide you with all the support you need to lead a Quality Sort.)
REGIONAL DROP-OFF LOCATION
Your destination on the weekend of April 11-12. Spring Service team members will deliver donations that have been “quality-checked,” sorted and packed to a regional location. Team members will be provided with the location and date/time for drop off. The Spring Service caravan will pick up donations from across the state and deliver them to C2C's Giving Factory. There, volunteers will begin immediate processing for distribution of KidPacks to children in need of our care.
SECONDARY ORGANIZATION
A nonprofit or community organization in your hometown that will receive donations that don’t meet C2C’s quality standards. This will ensure all of your donations will benefit community. You will learn more about how to confirm a site during Spring Service SLA. Options include Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Catie’s Closet, and other local nonprofits.
HOST SITE(S)
The location(s) of your Spring Service and a key partner in your efforts to mobilize others to donate clothing for C2C.
SPREAD THE WORD (STW)
Fun, creative, and very important efforts to advertise your Spring Service. (Chapter 5 and Project 351 training will provide you with all the support you need to STW!)
SUPPORT TEAM
In addition to your Host Site and Leadership Team, you can count on Project 351, your Regional Alumni, AMC team leader, and other caring adults for guidance and encouragement.
Spring service timeline
MARCH 3
FEBRUARY 13
MARCH 10 Complete Action Plan & Team Goals
= Date for Action Plan = Project 351 Zoom Call, 6:00 pm
MARCH 10
Confirm Secondary Organization for Donations & Your Transportation Plan for Regional Drop-Off
APRIL 11-12 Regional Drop-off WEEK OF APRIL 12
MARCH 31-APRIL 11 Spring Service BY APRIL 17
Complete Spring Survey & Submit Donation Totals to Project 351 BYAPRIL 10
Implement Celebrate & Appreciate
MARCH 31 Call #5: Ready, Set, Serve!!
March 2026
SLA Begins Spring Service Call #1: Our Why: The mission of Cradles to Crayons
Spring Service Call #2: Leadership Team & Spread the Word
Spring Service Call #3: Alumni Best Practices
SpringService Call#4: STW BestPractices
Spring Service Call #5: Ready, Set, Serve!
Post, Like, & Share to Change the World
Social media is a powerful platform for changing the world. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, championed by Service Hero Pete Frates is just one example of the global scale and life saving impact of a viral social media phenomenon. The Challenge motivated people around the world to dump a bucket of ice over their head, post an image, donate to ALS, and tag friends and family as a challenge to do the same. In 2014, 17 million people accepted the challenge, generating 10 billion views by more than 440 million people! And, an astonishing $115 million was raised in just eight weeks! That investment tripled the research budget of the ALS Association, yielding break-through scientific discovery and greater hope for those affected by ALS.
To set a strong foundation for your social media efforts, let’s cover some basics.
You can find Project 351 at:
Facebook: @TeamProject351
Instagram: @project351
And you can find Cradles to Crayons at:
Facebook: @c2cboston
Twitter: @c2cboston
Instagram: @c2cboston
Hashtags we’ll highlight for use throughout Spring Service:
#p351SpringService
#UniteActLead
#STW (short for Spread the Word!)
#ReadySetServe
Tips
Tag our Project 351 accounts in your posts!
Use #p351SpringService in all your posts. Project 351 will provide hashtags guidance for Spring Service milestones (e.g. Quality Sort).
STW (Spread the Word). Social media is a megaphone for service. Post details (time, date, location, wish list) to encourage donations.
A picture is worth 1,000 words. We’ve all heard that before! In service, that’s especially true. Snaps of your STW materials, your LT in action, and overflowing donation bins builds the interest and support of your followers.
Express gratitude. Use social media to appreciate Cradles to Crayons, your host site, Leadership Team, community partners, and other stakeholders. Tag them in your posts.
Gain knowledge & big ideas. Use your team group chats, and other social media accounts to share creative ideas and ask for advice from your fellow Ambassadors. And if you borrow someone else’s idea, use social media to thank them!
ALUMNI INSPIRATION
NAME Rediet Abayneh
TOWN Worcester YEAR 2022
IN EIGHTH GRADE, I WAS... a Leader
What is the first step you take to build a foundation for service projects?
Brainstorm and write down every idea! Even if it seems like something that will be too complicated or difficult to achieve, it’s important to get your thoughts on paper so you can begin creating a plan.
What do you think about when looking for Host Sites?
I look for potential host sites that are easily accessible in my community. I try to find a location that is well-known, frequently visited, and easy to get to. Always remember, your community is open to helping, you just have to ask!
My advice to Ambassadors is...
Have fun! Yes, Project 351 is about helping our communities, but it’s important to remember that service is joy, so...enjoy yourself and be present in the moment! It is scary at first, but the 35ONE community is kind, helpful, and supportive. Don’t be afraid to start—you’re on the right track!
Chapter
1
Building A Strong Foundation
Leadership Goals
> >Build on Service Leadership Academy inspiration and commit to lead Spring Service in your hometown.
> >Recruit a Host Site and the support of a caring adult with preparation, respect and appreciation.
> >Unite with Ambassadors across the state as 35ONE team in support of Cradles to Crayons.
What is Spring Service?
A statewide service campaign led by Project 351 Ambassadors and Alumni to collect like-new children’s clothing (all sizes are welcome!) in support of Cradles to Crayons. Weekly training will build leadership skills and support step-by-step project development and community engagement. Spring Service Clothing Drives will take place during the weeks of March 29 and April 10 and will demonstrate the amazing impact created when young people unite to make a difference.
The Basics
Congratulations! You have successfully registered your Spring Service project. You have:
The commitment to serve and lead
Your parent/guardian permission
The approval of Host Site
Confirmed dates of your Spring Service
Goals for Spring Service
Before we begin, it’s important to remember the Purpose & Goals of Spring Service. Below, you will find our service goals. These are important guideposts for the service ahead.
1. Lead
Ambassador-led service in your hometown to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children facing extreme economic challenges and/or homelessness.
2. Collect
Collect, sort, and prepare critically needed gently-used clothing for distribution to thousands of families.
3. Develop
Develop leadership and communication skills; build awareness of key issues facing our communities; and strengthen attributes of compassion, inclusion, and gratitude.
4. Build
Build unity and pride of your school and hometown; Service Hero team; and 35ONE community.
5. Demonstrate
Demonstrate what young leaders can do when they UNITE. ACT. LEAD.— in their hometowns and as a statewide Project 351 team.
In addition to our Project 351 goals, you will also have individual goals that reflect YOUR hopes and motivation, and goals of your team, school, and community. These will help shape YOUR unique project vision and will bring greater meaning and fun to your service.
Spring Service Roadmap
1
Confirm The Basics: Location, Dates, Leadership Team, & Action Plan
2
Spread the word!
Let friends, family, classmates, and neighbors know WHERE, WHEN, WHAT & WHO you are collecting for.
What items should I collect?
C2C will provide us with a wish list for gently used and like-new children’s clothing items and shoes. All sizes are welcome!
3
Collect donations
WHEN: MARCH 29-APRIL 10
Your Spring Service drive is finally here! Keep your community motivated by sharing drive dates and the locations of your collection bins!
4
Quality Sort
WHEN: BY APRIL 10
Quality = Dignity. You will be trained to prepare your donations for drop off and to build team at the same time!
What do I collect donations in?
Engage your Leadership Team to decorate cardboard boxes or other large containers with wrapping paper, fliers, artwork, and other creative messages to encourage your community to donate!
5
Donation Delivery
WHEN: APRIL 11-12
Spring Service team members will be assigned a regional drop-off location for your donations. Project 351 will provide detailed information including driving directions.
CELEBRATE & Appreciate
WHEN: WEEK OF APRIL 12
Gratitude defines a Project 351 leader Express thanks to the team & community that supported you. Share impact numbers & pictures to inspire their continued support.
The Giving Factory
TAKE FIVE How to Recruit Your Principal as a Partner in Spring Service
Mary Cringan, Chair, Project 351 Educators’ Advisory Group
Congratulations on your selection as Ambassador! Thank you for accepting the responsibility of leadership and embracing the opportunity to create positive change through service. For the last nine years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chair of Project 351’s Educators’ Advisory Group (EAG). In my role, I work with the Project 351 team, educators, Alumni, and Ambassadors to build our movement for service. Now retired, I spent four decades as an educator. And in my last five years as a principal, I supported my schools’ Project 351 Ambassador on Spring Service. I share my experiences and those of the EAG as encouragement to recruit your principal as a key member of your Spring Service Leadership Team.
1. We are excited to serve! For many principals, Spring Service is an annual tradition and important milestone of our school calendar. For those educators new to Project 351, Spring Service is a great opportunity to build support. Whether a veteran of Project 351 or in their first year, your principal cares about your leadership and will be interested in your Spring Service vision. So, move “meeting with my principal” to the top of your Action Steps! Reach out to request a meeting with respect, kindness, and gratitude.
2. Preparation is key. Step one of a successful meeting is on-time arrival! Step two is your preparedness. Take time to assess what you want to say and create an outline to help guide you. Share your Launch Day and 35ONE Service Leadership Academy experience and role as Ambassador. Provide an overview of Spring Service. Know the “why” of your service and your goals. Be clear about the support you respectfully request. Make a check list!
Leadership Tip: Ask your Principal about their goals and hopes for Spring Service. Then, build a shared vision with shared objectives. Your support of your principal/school’s goals will strengthen their enthusiasm for your goals! The best partnerships are always win-win!
3. A thank you note goes a long way! As you now know, gratitude is a core value of Project 351 leaders. You can model that value by expressing appreciation in an follow-up email or handwritten note. Be sure to restate your shared goals of Spring Service, the commitments made by your Principal, and the Action Steps identified.
4. Weekly communication helps ensure success. Your principal and you will be aided by a weekly check-in meeting. Even 15 minutes, if well-organized, can be very effective in ensuring you are on track with project milestones and deadlines. Weekly check-ins also provide a forum for questions, new ideas, and trouble-shooting challenges. As with your first meeting, send a thank you note with a recap of your discussion. This organizing tool creates a written record of expectations and actions steps, and will help both your principal and you succeed!
5. Engage your Principal to make your goals and ideas a reality. My first Spring Service was as principal of the Thomas Prince School in Princeton. Our Ambassador Autumn wanted to host a school-wide competition to encourage donations; with an assembly to celebrate the winner. She and her LT had a clear vision, a well thought-out plan, and endless enthusiasm. I couldn’t say no! With the help of the faculty, our assembly turned into a community-wide celebration of our students and their service. It was one of the best days of the year and a memory I’ll never forget! (P.S. Autumn has remained involved with Project 351 for the last 12 years. She now serves on the Leadership Team as a member of the Medical Team!)
Your principal is very proud that you are representing your school and community as Ambassador. Their selection reflects their faith in your leadership and hope for your success. Spring Service is an opportunity to demonstrate that your principal’s trust is well placed. And, that you are eager to share Project 351 in a way that benefits the whole school community. By teaming-up with your principal, you can inspire unity, greater kindness and compassion, and school pride. I wish you the best of luck as you build a partnership for service!
The Foundation of Your Project
Let’s capture the people, places, and dates that will make your Spring Service possible!
Host Site Contact
Name:
Email: Phone:
Host Site Weekly Call Date & Time:
AMC Team Leader
Name:
Email: Phone:
Other Caring Adults
Name:
Email: Phone:
My Secondary Organization
Name:
Mission:
Address:
Phone:
Date/Time of Delivery/Pick Up:
351 Reflection
Often the most challenging part of any service project is getting started. Once you’ve built a foundation and you’re motivated to serve, you are well on your way to making an important difference!
Three reasons you are motivated to serve the children impacted by Cradles to Crayons:
Five steps you are going to take to build a strong foundation for service:
One word that describes how you feel about your first project as an Ambassador: 1. LEADERSHIP TIP: At your first team meeting, engage your LT in this reflection. Their “why?” will motivate service excellence, as will their ideas for a strong foundation of Spring Service.
Ambassador Voice
“I want to inspire kindness and generosity in my community to benefit others.”
Joseph, Lynnfield
I dedicate my project to...
“
Since Launch, I’ve become more aware of the difference one person can make in this world, and I’ve realized…I want to be one of those people!”
Norah, Plympton
ACTION STEPS
ENGAGE your Host Site contact and confirm permission & support.
SCHEDULE weekly check-ins with your Host Site contact. This could be Zoom, phone call, email, or an in-person meeting.
DETERMINE start and end dates for your clothing drive. Confirm these dates with your Host Site contact.
IDENTIFY a collection plan—this could be a combination of collection bins, online donation options, and/or contactless pick-ups!
Get in trouble... Good Trouble ...necessary trouble.
Congressman John Lewis
Civil Rights Legend • Service Hero
“
A Partnership in Support of Children
Leadership Goals
> >Build knowledge and inspiration through research of Cradles to Crayons’ mission.
> >Gain motivation and pride from history of Project 351’s decade-long partnership and impact.
> >Develop understanding of strong partnerships for greater service impact.
OUR Commitment & VISION
Our Commitment
Project 351 is a community of young leaders with big hearts and caring spirits. You know that every child needs love and support to help them grow, learn, and lead. As a community, we are particularly committed to serve children who are in challenging circumstances, such as poverty and homelessness.
Our Spring Service supports the mission of Cradles to Crayons (C2C), a beloved partner of Project 351 since 2011. We are honored to support C2C in their vital work to provide every child with the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.
Our Spring Service Mission
Providing comfort and support for children in need of our care across the Commonwealth.
Poverty in Massachusetts
We live in challenging and divisive times, but it is A Revolution of Love to build unity, foster compassion, and engage the generosity of your generation as a source of hope and healing. Of late, our world is riven by political polarization, an increase in identitybased bias and discrimination, the climate crisis, racial and social injustice, a youth mental health crisis, and economic uncertainty. These challenges have been especially devastating for low-income families. Greater knowledge of how poverty affects our communities fuels our urgent responsibility to work together and alleviate its consequences. As we deepen our knowledge, we understand that poverty disproportionately affects some members of our community—particularly those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color). This unfair impact is rooted in longstanding societal inequalities that perpetuate poverty.
1 of 6 households with children report they may be unable to pay their rent or mortgage in the next month. This number for Black and Latinx households is twice that of white households
(Source: Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center)
43% of children live in a household struggling to afford their usual household expenses right now. (Source: Cradles to Crayons)
Diaper demand has increased upwards of 300% within the C2C network and beyond. (Source: Cradles to Crayons)
1 in 5 children in Massachusetts live in a food insecure house, which has more than doubled from last year. (Source: Cradles to Crayons)
When a family enters a shelter, they are only allowed two bags of belongings—total. (Source: Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development)
Your leadership of Spring Service begins with building knowledge of the partner and community with whom we are privileged to serve. Understanding the “why?” of Cradles to Crayon’s mission and model, inspires our greater purpose and commitment to excellence.
At Cradles to Crayons (C2C), “it’s more than a cause...it’s a kid.” C2C staff and volunteers, and our Spring Service team, share a passion to ensure every child has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. As partners in service, C2C and Project 351 work toward a future without childhood poverty. Cradles to Crayons staff and volunteers are passionately dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of these children.
Understanding C2C’s vision and mission is an important responsibility of leading Spring Service.
VISION
One day, every child in need will have the essentials to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.
MISSION
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities across the Commonwealth through service and generosity.
Cradles to Crayons Annual Impact:
3.1M CHILDREN SERVED IN MASSACHUSETTS, CHICAGO, AND GREATER PHILADELPHIA
390,000 VOLUNTEERS ENGAGED
ACHIEVES MISSION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 131 SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
C2C Partner organizations
C2C partners with nonprofits, schools, and other organizations all across the state to distribute everyday essentials to children. Each dot on this map represents a partner organization, which distributes thousands of C2C essentials in their region.
Project 351 & Cradles to Crayons: Champions of
Children
SINCE 2012,
PROJECT 351 AMBASSADORS & ALUMNI HAVE IMPACTED
229,514
CHILDREN SERVED BY CRADLES TO CRAYONS = 500 PEOPLE
Inspirational Leadership: The 2025 Spring Service Team
The 2025 Spring Service team was defined by compassion, resourcefulness, and resolve. The power of 35ONE was glowing throughout service!
With creativity, collaboration, and the support of educators and caring adults, the seemingly impossible became possible. At a time of greatest need at C2C, Ambassadors and Alumni mobilized 279 communities at more than 487 host sites to lead with love and serve with compassion.
6,135
QUALITY SORTED BAGS OF CLOTHING AND SHOES
24,540
CHILDREN POSITIVELY IMPACTED
Leadership Lesson
To inspire others to serve, YOU must be inspired to serve! Your passion for making a difference and knowledge of the partner or community you are privileged to serve is great motivation for family and friends. Your example and dedication will encourage teamwork, unity, and countless acts of kindness and support. Before you begin any service project, invest time to learn about the issue you’ll impact and the organization you’re supporting. This knowledge will give you a strong foundation for success.
A Partnership in Support of Children
In sixteen years of Spring Service for C2C, Ambassadors have positively impacted 229,514 children! Each one a starfish, with dreams that we’re honored to support.
But, how does your hometown Spring Service project turn into hope and dignity for a child and their family? Through a cycle of goodness and generosity powered by a statewide community of volunteers.
Over two months, hundreds of miles, and countless hours of volunteer leadership, Project 351 and C2C execute the steps required to support thousands of children across Massachusetts.
Cycle of Generosity
ESSENTIALS DELIVERED!
LEADERSHIP TEAM
This Spring, this cycle of goodness and generosity starts
with you!
In its simplest form, our partnership with C2C includes the following responsibilities:
Spring Service Team: Clothing Drive, Quality Sort, Regional Drop-off
C2C: Regional Pick-Up, Kit Creation, Delivery to Family
What essentials do C2C provide?
A week’s worth of outfits for a child:
a pair of shoes or boots
Source: Cradles to Crayons
And, may include some or all of the following—customized for each child:
Winter Coat or Spring/Fall Jacket
Book Pack (5 books based on reading level)
School Supplies/Arts & Crafts Pack (general school supplies based on age level)
Nursery Items
Important note: The focus of our Spring Service drive is on children’s clothes and shoes. C2C partners with others to gather the rest of the items listed.
Reflections & Gratitude from C2C Community
These everyday essentials bring joy to children and happiness to the adults who care for them. These reflections provide perspective on the important impact you will make.
“Thank you for all of the things you gave us. It blew my mind away to another galaxy!”
CHILD
“Jessica is a 12 year old girl who was always late to school because she spent a lot of time figuring out what to wear. Her only jacket was so small and dirty that she was ashamed to wear it in front of the other kids. She received a new winter jacket and has been in school on time almost every day since.”
TEACHER
“Families from Afghanistan have started to arrive in Cambridge. All have received resources but one family stands out - two teenage siblings arrived in the U.S. alone because they lost both their parents. They were able to come to Cambridge and stay with a host family. The host family reached out to us because the kids needed everything. We were able to provide them with warm coats, backpacks, and toiletries. All from Cradles to Crayons.”
SERVICE PARTNER
“I’ve never seen a child look so happy to get a winter jacket as she did! She was very excited to have something that looked nice and was her very own. She’s so proud of her new coat.”
PARENT
Sunshine
C2C receives thousands of cards, drawings, and letters of gratitude from the children & families they serve. They call these “sunshine”! We hope these works of art and words of appreciation motivate your best efforts. This Spring, let’s light up Massachusetts with as much sunshine as possible!
TAKE FIVE
How to be a Champion for Children
Katy DeMoura, Associate Director of Partnerships, Cradles to Crayons
The great reward of working at Cradles to Crayons is the deep faith I’ve developed in the community as a whole. I’ve learned that even in a place as vast and diverse as Massachusetts, we are one big village of neighbors who care deeply for each other’s wellbeing. Every day, I see an overwhelming need, but I also witness an overwhelming response from the community. From champions of children like you.
A champion is inspired by the goodness of every child and is committed to their potential. A champion elevates a child’s needs and inspires their friends and neighbors to help. A champion for children sees the value in each contribution, big and small. It all starts here, with you. You are a part of Project 351, an incredible community of young leaders with big hearts and caring spirits. Together, you have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children. As you lead, I offer five tips that inspire my work as a champion for children. I hope they inspire you, too.
1. Bring passion to your project. Passion will empower and engage the hearts and minds of those around you. Passion is the ingredient that will keep your community connected to the greater purpose of your Spring Service project. Remember, you’re collecting more than clothing, you’re gathering hope, kindness, and care.
2. Be prepared. Take the time to learn about the issues you’ll help to address through your service project. Collaborate with those who have experience, ask questions from those you respect. Take advantage of weekly calls with Carolyn Casey—she always slips in a few pearls of wisdom to help start the week off strong!
3. Speak with compassion. Show respect for the dignity of the person you are addressing and for the children you are serving. Motivate others by your example. Remember, it’s always the right time to engage in acts of service and compassion for others.
4. Show gratitude. A strong leader listens, encourages teamwork, and recognizes others. Be appreciative and respectful to all who show you support.
5. Have fun and be proud of everything you accomplish. And, know that every day the Cradles to Crayons team is proud and grateful for you!
Spring Service Wish List
We are collecting clothing that will bring joy, comfort, and self-esteem to thousands of children across the state. It is a privilege to support Cradles to Crayons in their mission to help children reach their unlimited potential by equipping them with every day essentials.
What
Children’s clothing and shoes
What Condition
New, like new, or gently used
A good question to ask yourself: “Would my young sibling/cousin or I be proud to wear this item of clothing?”
What Size
Everday child-appropriate clothing & shoes in all sizes, from newborn to adult sizing
351 Reflection
Strong partnerships are built on shared values, a common mission, respect for one another’s strengths, clear lines of responsibility, candid and frequent communication, and an attitude of gratitude.
Partners must be active listeners, engaged collaborators, and humble contributors to a shared goal.
Three ways you hope to bring care and comfort to the children served by Cradles to Crayons:
Five clubs, teams, or organizations you want to recruit as partners:
One important trait of a good partner:
LEADERSHIP TIP: Share this exercise with your LT and capture their ideas as you build a united vision for Spring Service.
Ambassador Voice:
“I want to provide clothes to all kids and teens. Dressing up is a form of self expression and everyone should be able to feel that joy.”
Kellyssa, Brockton
“Clothes are a basic need and no one, especially children, should have to worry about not having what they need to make them feel good about themselves.”
Framingham
I believe that every child deserves... .
Dasha,
ACTION STEPS
VISIT Cradles to Crayons’ website:
WATCH the “Everyday Essentials” video for Inspiration.
REVIEW statistics related to poverty and homelessness.
RESEARCH the issue of youth poverty in your hometown and region.
SELECT facts and inspiration—from this Toolkit, C2C website, and your own research— to share with your Leadership Team and others you want to recruit to serve.
HEROES because heroes give “ “HOPE . Children need
Geoffrey Canada
Founder, Harlem Children’s Zone