Cradles to Crayons is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children ages birth to 12 years old, who are homeless or living in poverty, with the essentials they need to thrive. This includes clothing, shoes, books, school supplies, toys and baby equipment.

As part of the Pay it Forward initiative, Surf members, staff, alumni, friends, family and volunteers are asked to bring one or more new or “gently-used” chapter books, suitable for an 11 to 12 year old, to the May 9 – 11 camp.

On May 10, a representative from Cradles to Crayons will be on hand to explain the organization’s mission to the corps and to work on a project to create book “bundles” to go into the hands of some of the area’s most needy children.

Because some of the children served by Cradles to Crayons are celebrating birthdays, card-making materials will also be available. Often, the hand-made cards crafted by volunteers are the only birthday greeting these children will receive.

Anyone interested in participating in the volunteer project should be at the Camden County Technical School by 7:00 on Saturday, May 10. For more information, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org, or e-mail Terri Ives at terri@jerseysurf.org.