HARRISBURG, PA — Cradles to Crayons will receive a $400,000 Pennsylvania grant to provide clothing and other basic necessities to children living in poverty across Greater Philadelphia as rising costs increase pressure on families in the region.
The organization works with human services agencies to distribute coats, shoes, underwear, diapers, hygiene products and other essentials. It provides more than 3.2 million basic items annually to children across the region.
The funding comes through a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development program. State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, disclosed the award Wednesday.
O’Mara, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus Southeast Delegation, cited the combination of poverty and rising household costs as driving demand for the organization’s services.
“Forty percent of families in our region live at or below the federal poverty level, so there is a definite need for this funding,” O’Mara said. “I’m proud that the Southeast Delegation supported this funding, especially at a time when rising costs have resulted in an increased need for many families.”
Nelson, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, pointed to clothing insecurity as a barrier to stability for families and cited Cradles to Crayons’ distribution of backpacks and winter coats as examples of its work.
“Whether it’s backpacks they offer every fall or warm coats they provide in the winter, these are essential items that bring families comfort and stability when needed most,” Nelson said.
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