PRESS RELEASE Pembroke, MA- June 9, 2004

Cradles to Crayons and Scalliwags Adventureland Join Forces To Help Children in Need

Collection Drive to Be Held Week of June 21st

Another school year is over. Before you think about making that first back-to-school shopping trip, what are you going to do with all the clothes, toys, and equipment your children no longer use? Make some room! Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes new and gently-used children's items without charge to our area's neediest children, has partnered with Scalliwags Indoor Adventureland in Pembroke for a unique collection drive.

"As you know Scalliwags has a special place in its heart for all children's charities," says Scalliwags' owner Sheila Farragher-Gemma. "When I heard that sometimes new moms cannot be discharged from the hospital because they have no car seat, or a crib for the baby at home, I knew that I wanted to do something to help."

So for the week of June 21st, Scalliwags, at 330-350 Corporate Park, Pembroke, will be accepting donations from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the week and 10:00 am to 2:00 PM on Saturday. New and gently-used clothes, toys, books, and baby equipment will be collected for children of all ages. All sizes and seasons of clothes are accepted. Clothes must be clean, with no tears or stains and all buttons present and zippers working. Toys and games must have all their pieces, and books should not be ripped or written in. All sturdy, never recalled baby equipment, including cribs, high chairs; changing tables and pack-n-plays are accepted. Instruction manuals, if available, would be appreciated. Car seats must be manufactured within the past 5 years and never have been involved in an accident. Items for new moms such as diapers and bath time supplies and even maternity clothes and parenting books are welcomed. No stuffed animals or
violent toys, please.

Bring your donations in plastic bags or boxes to keep them clean and organized. Please bring larger donations (cribs, changing tables, strollers, high chairs, etc), on Saturday morning, if possible. Donations are tax-deductible and receipts will be available.

"It's so hard to believe that in this country where so many have so much, there are kids out there who don't receive one single birthday or Christmas present, because their families simply can't afford those things," says Farragher-Gemma. "In fact Cradles to Crayons tells me there are more than 30,000 children in greater Boston who live below the poverty level."

Cradles to Crayons is the brainchild of a Boston businesswoman. She saw unused children's items from her nieces and nephews piled high in the basement of her brother's house, and knew many more homes had the same isituation. Since it was established, Cradles to Crayons has provided over 8,000 children with the supplies they so desperately need for a higher quality of life. During the 2003 holiday season, over 4,200 children received a new present and books.

"Cradles to Crayons is a great organization that makes a huge difference in kids lives," Farragher-Gemma says. "Like me, I'm sure there are many parents who would like to see their baby's and children's items go to good homes."

For further information visit www.cradlestocrayons.org, www.scalliwags.com or email info@cradlestocrayons.org.

"I know I will be bringing a truckload of stuff down that weekend," Farragher-Gemma adds. "Please join me in helping out."