Anyone living in the Chicago area knows winter weather can be brutal — even with the right gear.
But many Chicago students lack sufficient winter outerwear, and this can mean the difference between walking safely to school and staying home.
To provide Chicago children with warm winter essentials, Cradles to Crayons Chicago hosted its 9th Annual Gear Up for Winter Un-Gala on November 9, 2024. This event drew more than 300 guests and raised a record-breaking $500,000.
The funds from this event will go toward winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and warm clothing for local children in low-income situations. Cradles to Crayons aims to distribute 50,000 warm winter coats this season through their Gear Up for Winter initiative, presented by Bank of America.
The Impact of Warm Winter Essentials on Students
Research reveals that one of the primary reasons children miss school is because of clothing insecurity or not having the essential apparel to stay safe and warm. The inability to dress appropriately for school can lead to chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10 percent of the school year.
Chronic absences have nearly doubled since 2019. For these students, missing school can often mean falling behind academically, increasing the likelihood of dropping out. And dropping out of high school doesn’t just affect college or job prospects — it’s tied to poorer health outcomes, higher rates of involvement with the criminal justice system, and significantly lower lifetime earnings.
“We want to ensure that no child in our city has to endure freezing temperatures without a warm coat. Clothing insecurity has a profound impact in the winter – children miss out on recess, outdoor activities, and even school days without the proper gear,” said Dawn Melchiorre, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Chicago. “The surge of unhoused individuals in Chicago who lack adequate winter clothing makes it more urgent than ever to collect coats for families facing harsh conditions.”
A Night Of Celebration and Donations
While the main focus of the Gear Up for Winter Un-Gala was raising money for the Gear Up for Winter initiative, it also provided an opportunity for guests and service partners to celebrate the season.
Guests enjoyed treats from Katherine Anne’s Confections, a local, women-owned small business. The night included entertainment, such as a face painter, balloon artist, and 360-degree photo booth.
Attendees also enjoyed a speaking program with remarks from Michelle Ramirez, Family Engagement Specialist at Youth Crossroads, and Dr. Carol Collum, Founder and Executive Director of service partner True Believers Community Connections.
Event co-chairs Terri and Mike Freeman, Anna Timmerman, and Braham Ketcham also shared remarks about Cradles to Crayons’ critical work providing resources to Chicago youth. Thanks to their purchasing power, Cradles to Crayons can provide a brand-new winter coat to a local child for only $15.
How to Help
Cradles to Crayons is accepting donations of coats and other winter essentials, like hats, gloves, and boots, at C2C’s North Center Giving Factory and 40+ participating locations throughout Chicagoland until February 2025. To learn more about how to support Cradles to Crayons this season, visit their website.
