After a successful drive to gather clothing and other supplies for children and families in need, the school’s service learning coordinators encourage Lab students to pitch in again to future efforts.

The Cradles to Crayons winter drive for children’s clothing, coats and toys for underprivileged families took place Oct. 19 around Chicagoland.

The drive was held to support children under 12 who are homeless or in low-income situations.

 Chimare Eaglin, high school service learning coordinator, said that the drive provided families with essential items to thrive at home, at school and at play. She said the donation boxes located in the high school and middle school lobbies were completely filled with a variety of contributions from the community. The most common items were coats, warm clothing, toys, games, backpacks and puzzles, which were later delivered to the Hyde Park Neighborhood Center.

Dr. Eaglin said the drive was inspired after Thomas Toney, middle school service learning coordinator, saw a news clip about two teenagers who witnessed a classmate being bullied for wearing the same outfit every day. The next day the classmates showed up with a bag of clothes and shoes for the student. 

“That reminded Mr.Toney of the amazing potential for our youth, and showing up for each other in our community,” Dr. Eaglin said.

She said more drives would be held during the school year and she hopes the community will pitch in.