The "Big Give"

-Opportunity for giving . . .
Help kids succeed
Bucks County Courier Times
With school back in session, many parents have sent their children off in newly purchased school clothes, armed with new backpacks filled with supplies. But for many local families struggling to make ends meet, it's a much different story.

More than 130,000 children and families in the Greater Philadelphia region live below the poverty level. They desperately need basic items like clothing and school supplies — all things many folks may take for granted. By digging in our closets, attics or storage areas and donating our gently used or new items, those of us who are in a more secure financial position can make a big impact on those in need throughout our community.

My colleagues and I at Shire Pharmaceuticals encourage everyone in Bucks County and the region to participate in Shire's “BIG GIVE” event benefiting Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit organization that directly helps children and families in need. Start a local drive at your schools, church, synagogue or business and collect new and gently used children's clothes, baby items, school supplies and other items. Your donations to Cradles to Crayons go to other non-profits such as The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and school districts across the region, which fill specific requests from families and children in need.

Due to the generosity of our neighbors in Bucks County and from across the region, children who need our help the most get the resources they need — clothes, shoes, school supplies and more — to better succeed in school and life.

Find out more information about Cradles to Crayons and starting a local community drive by logging on to cradlestocrayons.org.

Scott Applebaum
Shire Pharmaceuticals
Holland