Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit organization that equips children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive, is pleased to announce that Nicole O’Brien, a resident of Winthrop, will run this year’s Boston Marathon in support of the organization.
Cradles to Crayons’ team of esteemed runners aim to raise more than $100,000 in support of the organization’s vision that one day every child will have the essential items they need to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. The team will take on the 26.2-mile course on April 16, making every mile count for local children in need.
“I am excited and truly honored to be running for Cradles to Crayons in this year’s marathon,†said O’Brien. “I get to run alongside men and women who equally share a passion for running and are determined to make it to the finish line in support of Cradles to Crayons.â€
Living alongside the Boston Marathon course in Kenmore Square, Nicole O’Brien always had aspirations of running in the iconic race. During her time in the Winthrop school system, O’Brien was able to develop her skills and foster a deep love for running. Shortly after being accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, O’Brien became involved with local charities through her sorority. Cradles to Crayons was an organization that really stood out to her and truly made an impact. After a few touching experiences at the Giving Factory, O’Brien felt running in the Boston Marathon would be an inspiring way to give back to the community through her passion for the sport. In 2017, O’Brien ran the Erie Marathon and officially qualified for the Boston Marathon this spring.
“We are thrilled to have Nicole O’Brien as a member of Team Cradles to Crayons this year and are sincerely grateful that she has chosen to run in support our organization,†said Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. “We truly admire each of our runners who are preparing for the upcoming marathon. Their work will make an enormous impact in furthering our mission and helping us to assist children across Massachusetts.â€
Cradles to Crayons launched in 2002 and has operations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The nonprofit provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need. Cradles to Crayons mobilizes communities of plenty on behalf of communities of need, recycling and reusing high-quality children’s goods and engaging thousands of youth and adults in tangible service activities each year that benefit local children. For more information, please visit www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/.