This difficult economy along with a high unemployment rate has dramatically increased the number of families and children in need this winter. There are more than 300,000 children who are homeless or living in poverty in Massachusetts. Each day, 1,200 families in the Commonwealth bounce from shelter to shelter struggling for the very basic needs. These children often lack warm clothes, shoes, coats and other necessities to keep them warm and safe.  As many of us count our blessings, these staggering statistics are a poignant reality during this holiday season of giving.

For the second year, I am partnering with Cradles to Crayons to help children in need. Cradles to Crayons (C2C) works with community organizers and volunteers around the Commonwealth to organize local donation drives. C2C recognized that many of us have new or barely used clothing, baby equipment, books, and shoes that our children have grown out of or have never been used. Its goal is to provide an opportunity for us to reach into our closets and give these items to children who need them. Everything collected in this drive goes to children at no cost who have nothing or very little.

Last year, the outpouring of generosity in Melrose and Wakefield on behalf of these children in need was nothing less than inspirational. One woman read about our drive and knit a dozen hats for children in need. Girl scouts and community volunteers came out to help sort everything we collected. We placed boxes in schools, municipal buildings, and local businesses where community members could drop off clothes, toys, school supplies and other basic necessities that go directly to children up to the age of twelve. We saw an overwhelming amount of donations and helped hundreds of Massachusetts children including children in need here in our own communities.

I encourage you to participate in the donation drive this week. Please take some time to look through your closets and find or purchase these new or gently used priority items: clothing (infant up to size adult large), winter outerwear, baby supplies, baby equipment, books, footwear, and new socks and underwear. 

Any of these items can be left from Dec. 6-10 at the Wakefield Town Hall, Melrose City Hall, Melrose and Wakefield Libraries, and the following Melrose schools: Franklin Early Childhood Center, Horace Mann, Lincoln, Winthrop, and MVMMS.  On Saturday, Dec. 11  from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Melrose Middle School we will sort the items for distribution to the children.  If you can donate any time on Saturday, it is fun and rewarding.  Not only can you make a meaningful difference in a child's life, but there is no better way to capture the spirit of the season. 

If you need any further information please contact Elizabeth Schoetz at 617-722-2220 or visit www.cradlestocrayons.org.