MA Shopping Malls Launch Back-To-School Clothing Drive With Cradles To Crayons

PEABODY, MA — Families shopping at participating Simon Centers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire this summer will have a chance to help children in need prepare for the school year.

Simon Centers is partnering with Cradles to Crayons on a back-to-school clothing drive that runs from Aug. 1, 2026, through Sept. 7.

Shoppers can visit a school bus display at their local Simon Center, choose a tag, shop for the clothing listed and return the donation to the location listed on the tag. The campaign asks people to donate a new outfit, and all donated products will be sent to Cradles to Crayons for distribution.

Cradles to Crayons is a Boston-based nonprofit founded in 2002 to combat childhood poverty. The organization provides everyday essentials for children from birth to age 12.

Participating Massachusetts locations are Auburn Mall in Auburn, Burlington Mall in Burlington, Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, Northshore Mall in Peabody, South Shore Plaza in Braintree, The Shops at Chestnut Hill in Chestnut Hill and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Wrentham. In New Hampshire, participating sites are The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem, Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua and Merrimack Premium Outlets in Merrimack.

The donation displays are set up at specific spots inside each property.

At Auburn Mall, the bus display is near the Dining Pavilion.

At Burlington Mall, it is on Level 1 across from Legal Sea Foods.

At Cape Cod Mall, it is near Banter by Piercing Pagoda.

At Northshore Mall, it is in front of Hannoush Jewelers.

At South Shore Plaza, shoppers should look near Uniqlo.

At The Shops at Chestnut Hill, the display is at the Mall Management Office, between Uniqlo and Bloomingdale's Home.

At Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, donations can be made at the Mall Management Office next to the West Elm Outlet or at the Welcome Center.

In New Hampshire, The Mall at Rockingham Park has its display at the Mall Management Office near Zales.

At Pheasant Lane Mall, the bus display is on the Upper Level near Target.

Merrimack Premium Outlets is using a purple bin in the Food Court.