St. Stephen Youth Group Collecting for Cradles to Crayons

 Now through November 12, the youth group at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Marlborough, will collect donations for Cradles to Crayons (CTC). CTC provides children from birth to age 12, living in low-income and homeless situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free by engaging and connecting communities that have, with communities that need.

  The greatest need is for boys and girls clothing (sizes 0 to 7/8), diapers (size 6), diaper wipes, and new hygiene items for babies and children (shampoo, soap, lotion, brushes and combs).

    Members of the community who would like to donate can bring items to St. Stephen, 547 Bolton St. (Route 85), Marlborough, during Pastor Joe Graumann’s office hours: Monday, 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, 9 am-1 pm, or Thursday, 1 pm-5 pm, or on Sunday mornings.
    In addition to the items above, other acceptable donations include:
– Coats and clothing (youth sizes 0–20 and adult sizes small and medium)
– New socks, underwear, and pajamas (must be new)
– Shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and adult sizes 1–10)
– Books, especially baby board books
– Brand new arts and crafts/school supplies
– Baby supplies and bedding (up to size twin)
– Diapers, other sizes
– Baby equipment, especially strollers and car seats within five years old
– New hygiene supplies for ages 0 to 12
– New batteries
– New and like-new toys (New toys are used for birthday gifts; gently-used toys must have all pieces.) 

“The Youth Group will bring our donations to the Boston site of Cradles to Crayons,” said Sarah Maston of Hudson, youth group adult leader. “They will help organize and sort them there for distribution to families in need.”  Potential donors with questions can email Maston at sem56@yahoo.com.

    Cradles to Crayons does not accept stuffed animals, ride-on toys, and plastic play structures.

    For more information about the church, visit saintstephenlutheran.com or the church’s Facebook page. Parishioners come from Marlborough, Hudson, Berlin, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, and Bolton. Saint Stephen is a member of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation, inviting people of every gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, marital status, or class.