This winter, Bain Capital employees were excited to partner with Year Up and Cradles to Crayons to host a joint clothing drive.  The Year Up drive collected suits, dresses and other professional attire for Year Up students while the Cradles to Crayons drive collected clothing, shoes, diapers, baby gear, outerwear, books, toys and school supplies for children up to the age of 12.

Year Up’s mission is to empower urban 18-24 year-olds through classroom training and paid internships to meaningfully change the trajectory of their professional careers.  For the 6 months of the “year up” spent in the workplace, students are expected to dress in either business casual or business attire every day on the job, yet many of them do not have the clothing required.  A gently used shirt or tie in your closet can allow a Year Up student to feel dressed and ready for that first interview or that first day of work

"We were excited to renew this fantastic partnership with Year Up," mentioned Bain Capital Private Equity Associate David Aron, "and were once again overwhelmed by the firm-wide support this year for both organizations."

Cradles to Crayons provides low-income and homeless 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. These items are supplied free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.

"Even though the two organizations serve different parts of our community, the drives really complemented each other," said Bain Capital Marketing Associate Elizabeth Dudley. "Employees had the opportunity to provide students with the types of clothing the wear everday and could also get their kids involved in supporting people in an entirely different stage of life."