B Safe’s B Generous Holiday Donation Guide
B Safe is supporting two wonderful charities this holiday season: Cradles to Crayons and Toys for Tots. If you would like to make a donation to either cause, call our Wilmington office (800-432-3473). Beginning Monday, November 26th, we will happily arrange for someone to come pick it up, free of charge.
What is Cradles to Crayons?
Cradles to Crayons is a charity that helps children in the area by providing them the everyday essentials their families may not be able to afford. They take in donations and package them to specifically meet a local boy or girl’s specific needs and wants. They are based out of multiple cities, the closest being Philadelphia. This video, from the charity itself, does a good job explaining their mission:
What Can I Donate to Cradles to Crayons?
1) Baby Supplies
Items that fall under this category include items for “baby hygiene”, such as diapers and diaper bags, infant washcloths, lotion, shampoo, towels, wipes, and more.
General baby supplies that would also be helpful include items such as baby carriers, car seats, pacifiers, receiving blankets, strollers, tubs, and other items related to a baby’s safety. Cribs are not included on this list due to frequent recalls.
2) Books
Have you been meaning to clear out an old bookshelf? You’re in luck. Cradles to Crayons is looking for books aimed at young children and young adults, including Baby Board books, picture books, easy readers, early chapter books, young adult books, and foreign language books.
The charity is not accepting books with strong family themes because some of the children unfortunately do not have the family structure found in those books.
3) Clothes
If your child has grown out of some clothing, consider donating it. Cradles to Crayons looks for clothing from youth size all the way up to 14/16, and adult size small as well.
With the very chilly holiday season approaching, they are also looking for winter clothing such as boots, coats, hats, and gloves. The most needed size for coats is 14/16 for both boys and girls. These items only get more important as the temperature continues to drop.
4) Shoes
They are also looking for both boys and girls’ sneakers. For boys, sizes 0 to 1 for infants and toddlers, and then all the way up to 9.5 in youth-adult sizes are appreciated. As for girls, they are looking for from 7 in infant and toddler sizes all the way up to 3 in youth and adult sizes. If you are going to donate sneakers, attach the pairs with rubber bands.
The last set of clothing items to donate would be new socks, new pajamas, and new underwear. Don’t be gross.
5) Art and School Supplies
Even something as small as a pack of pencils would go a long way for some kids. These items help kids prepare for class and focus their minds on more important tasks in the classrooms.
What Can I NOT Donate to Cradles for Crayons?
The biggest no-no is family-themed items. For example, books with strong family themes, or clothing saying things like “I Love Mommy” and “Daddy’s Little Girl”. Some of the children unfortunately do not have that kind of family structure. It would be potentially very upsetting for a little girl without a father to receive a “Daddy’s Little Girl” t-shirt, for example.
Also, do not donate heavily used or dirty clothing. Underwear, pajamas, and socks absolutely must be new, but other items clothing items you are donating should at least be clean without holes, rips, and tears.
For a Full List of Possible Items to Donate
If you’d like to have a more thorough explanation of the items you can donate, or want to know more specifically what they are looking for, you can follow this link to their official list.
It will outline everything in more detail, and it should cover any other potential questions you may have.
What is Toys for Tots?
Properly referred to as The Marine Toys for Tots, it is a charity whose basic mission is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. For more information or to read about their mission, visit this link to find out more details.
What Can I Donate to Toys for Tots?
Toys for Kids, Up to the Age of About 12
This is pretty straightforward. Toys should be in brand new condition, or in very good used condition. Very good used condition means that someone played with it once or twice, that all of the pieces are still there, and that the toy is not damaged. Think of the toy that your kid got last holiday season, played with for five minutes, and then moved on.
Are There Any Suggestions for Toys To Or Not To Donate?
The best solution that Marine Toys for Tots suggests is to simply think of the children in your life and donate a toy that would be appropriate for one of them. Their mindset is that if there were a list of suggested toys, it would limit the variety of donations. Popular toys are completely allowed, but bringing in a thoughtful toy or two could also make a kid’s holiday special.
However, Toys for Tots does not donate toys that look like realistic weapons or items with food. It is called Toys for Tots and not Food for Tots, after all. If you are looking to donate food this holiday season, contact a local food bank.
How Do I Call B Safe to Come Pick Up My Donation?
We’re happy that you’ve decided to donate. We have attached a phone number for our Willington Office. If you call the office, we will send someone from your branch out to pick up the gifts and check in with you, making sure all of your home security needs are being adequately met.
Please Call Us At:
Our office in Wilmington can be reached at 800-432-3473.