CHARLES RIVER CARES
GIVING PARTNERS
CHARLES RIVER CARES
GIVING PARTNERS
GIVING PARTNERS
Since 1983, our people-first approach has shaped everything we do. As a third-generation family-owned company, we’ve always believed that strong relationships and shared purpose are the foundation of good business.
In 2010, we officially launched Charles River Cares to extend that commitment beyond our walls, using our reach to make a meaningful impact through donations, volunteering, and community partnerships.
We’re proud to support organizations that align with our values — from wellness and climate action to disaster relief and homelessness — working together to build a brighter future for our communities.
Pan-Mass Challenge
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is the world’s largest single athletic fundraising event, held each August across Massachusetts to support cancer research at Dana-Farber. Since 1980, riders have raised over $1 billion, with every dollar going directly to Dana-Farber. The PMC community is united by camaraderie and a shared commitment to a world without cancer. Learn more at pmc.org.
Circle of Hope
Circle of Hope provides clothing, toiletries, and necessities to 22 homeless shelters and clinics in Boston and MetroWest. They are the sole provider of clothing and toiletries for many of these organizations. Their partners include family shelters, individual shelters, domestic violence shelters, healthcare clinics, and programs that serve the homeless. Last year, COH served more than 6,600 homeless children and adults, providing the essential items they need to stay healthy and warm. Through the Welcome Baby Program, Circle of Hope gives brand new diaper bags packed with essential baby items to mothers living with their newborns in the shelters they serve and through the Dignity Project, Circle of Hope gives “Dignity Bags” full of toiletries, brand new socks and underwear to hundreds of homeless individuals every year. To learn more about all they do, visit www.circleofhopeonline.org.
Charles River Watershed Association
Charles River Watershed Association protects and restores the Charles River through science, advocacy, and law. Their work builds resilience, safeguards public health, and promotes environmental equity in the face of climate change. Learn more at www.crwa.org.
All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disaster relief, providing immediate and long-term support to communities affected by natural disasters. By mobilizing volunteers and resources, they work to rebuild schools, homes, and infrastructure, ensuring communities recover stronger and more resilient. Their mission focuses on efficiently addressing the needs of disaster-stricken areas while fostering hope and empowerment for those impacted. To learn more about all they do, visit www.allhandsandhearts.org.
Pets & People Foundation
Pets and People Foundation offers
pet-assisted therapy visits to people who could use some healing joy in their days. Their carefully tested and certified therapy teams can be found at nursing homes, assisted living homes, special needs facilities, schools, libraries and hospitals and many other places. Learn more about their story and mission at www.petsandpeoplefoundation.org.
Christmas in the City
Christmas in the City is a non profit organization run by volunteers that strives to lessen the impact of homelessness on families and children living in shelters. Each year, thousands of volunteers are on hand to put together an annual Christmas Party Extravaganza for thousands of children and families living in homeless shelters. Find out more about their impact at www.christmasinthecity.org .
First Descents
First Descents provides free outdoor adventure programs—climbing, paddling, surfing—that empower young adults impacted by cancer or MS to reclaim their lives and connect with peers. Open to those diagnosed between ages 15–39 (and currently 18–45), First Descents fosters healing, resilience, and community. Learn more at firstdescents.org.
Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons is a Boston-based nonprofit that provides essential items to children living in homeless or low-income situations so that they can thrive both at home and at school. The organization helps kids from birth through age 12 in Massachusetts, as well as in areas around Chicago and Philadelphia. To learn more about their mission, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org .
Catie’s Closet
Since 2010, Catie’s Closet has reduced absenteeism, urged kids back into their schools and off the streets and increased graduation rates. Schools equipped with a Catie’s Closet give students living in poverty the ability to discreetly pick and choose the clothing and basic necessities they need and are proud to wear. Lack of access to basic necessities is one of the top reasons for absenteeism. By meeting students’ needs, Catie’s Closet boosts self-esteem and motivates students to attend school and focus on their education. Although clothing is their pillar, Catie’s Closet also provides additional items that students need to be successful. This includes new toiletries, shoes, backpacks, undergarments and even bus passes and grocery cards. For more information, visit www.catiescloset.org .
