Standing Up Together at IC 2026: Keeping Kids Warm with Cradles to Crayons

January 20, 2026
Maxime Morin

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Class of 2027

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BBYO has always believed that when Jewish teens come together, real change happens. Each year at International Convention, that belief comes to life through our Stand Up Cause, giving us the chance to support a meaningful organization while showing what collective action can do. In 2026, we are proud to stand up for Cradles to Crayons.

Cradles to Crayons is an incredible organization dedicated to ensuring children have the essential items they need to feel safe, comfortable, and confident. Each year, they support over 200,000 children by providing free clothing, shoes, and winter essentials to kids experiencing homelessness or living in low-income situations. Through partnerships with schools, shelters, and social service agencies, Cradles to Crayons makes sure donated items go directly to families who need them most. Their impact goes far beyond warmth. By meeting basic needs, they help kids show up to school ready to learn, play, and fully participate in their communities with dignity.

This year’s drive is also a little different and even more exciting. Regions will earn points based on how much they collect, turning giving back into a movement-wide effort rooted in teamwork and pride. There are three main ways to get involved. First, you can bring hats, gloves, warm socks, and neck warmers directly to IC. These items are easy to pack and can be dropped off in your region’s collection box when you arrive. Second, regions will be running local drives before IC to collect larger winter items like jackets, snow pants, sweaters, scarves, and boots. These items must be shipped to BBYO HQ by January 30 so they can be counted and sent along. Finally, you can support the drive by ordering directly from BBYO’s Amazon Wishlist. Items ship straight to BBYO, and all you need to do is show proof of purchase for your region to earn points.

Throughout IC, points will be displayed on the IC app, letting everyone see the impact we’re making together. Whether you donate one pair of socks, organize a community drive, or rally your region to the top of the leaderboard, every contribution makes a difference.

This Stand Up Cause is about more than points. It’s about warmth, dignity, and showing up for kids who need us. Let’s make IC 2026 our strongest Stand Up Drive yet and prove, once again, what this Movement can do when we stand up together.

Maxime Morin is an Aleph from Northwest Canada Region and is the funniest guy out there. (You can ask anyone).

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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