Indian Boundary Y celebrates Earth Day with launch of new Cradles to Crayons West Hub

Earlier today, Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides families in need with children’s essentials, officially launched its West Hub at the Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove.

Through a partnership between Cradles to Crayons, City Wide Facility Solutions, Family Focus DuPage, and the Indian Boundary Y, the West Hub will serve as a collection site where local residents can donate new and like-new items such as clothing, school supplies, children’s books, toys, and hygiene products.

“Our missions align so closely—Cradles to Crayons and the Y both prioritize providing needed resources for families,” said Michelle Lorenzen, Youth Services Director at the Indian Boundary and Fry Family YMCAs, at today’s kick-off event. “And it’s especially exciting that we’re launching the West Hub on Earth Day! I challenge everyone here to promote sustainability by going to your homes, doing some spring cleaning, and bringing your clothes, books, and toys here, knowing they’ll go directly to kids in need.”

Shoshana Buchholz-Miller, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Chicago, underscored the importance of collaboration in meeting the growing need for children’s items among Chicagoland’s families.

“When we look for organizations to partner with, we often ask, ‘Will they be like the YMCA?’” said Buchholz-Miller. “Due to the pandemic, our communities are experiencing a much greater need. In 2019, we served 100,000 kids, while last year we served 230,000. Because of partnerships like these, we’re better equipped to fulfill that need.”

After the event, local volunteers—including several from City Wide Facility Solutions, who is underwriting the project—got right to work, sorting bags of children’s items for agencies like Family Focus DuPage to distribute.

To donate high-quality items, drop them off at the Cradles to Crayons’ West Hub at the Indian Boundary Y, 711 59th St, Downers Grove, IL 60516. For a complete list of accepted and most-needed items, visit the Cradles to Crayons website.