ScrubaDub's 'Clean For Kicks' Fights Childhood Clothing Insecurity

BOSTON, MA – April 07, 2026 – For the ninth consecutive year, a trip to the car wash can do more than just restore a vehicle’s shine. ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers, a New England staple for 60 years, is once again partnering with the acclaimed non-profit Cradles to Crayons for its annual "Clean For Kicks" campaign. The initiative transforms a routine chore into a powerful act of community support, aiming to provide essential footwear to thousands of children facing homelessness or living in low-income situations.

From April 9 through April 27, customers at any of ScrubaDub’s more than 20 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine can participate. By donating a new or gently used pair of children's shoes or making a $5 contribution at the wash center, patrons will receive a complimentary UltraShine Wax treatment. For those preferring to give online, a $10 donation secures a voucher for a Free Express Car Wash, with all proceeds directly benefiting Cradles to Crayons.

The Hidden Crisis of Clothing Insecurity

While the campaign offers a simple and rewarding way to give back, the issue it addresses is complex and deeply impactful. The initiative targets "Clothing Insecurity," a term describing the lack of access to adequate, appropriate, and properly-fitting clothing. This hidden crisis affects an estimated two out of five children in the United States, carrying consequences that extend far beyond simple discomfort. For a child, wearing shoes that are too small, worn out, or unsuitable for the weather can lead to bullying, chronic school absenteeism, reduced self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating.

This national issue has a significant footprint in New England. While New Hampshire boasts one of the nation's lowest child poverty rates at 7.88%, other states in the region face greater challenges. Recent data shows child poverty rates at 13.11% in Maine and 13.69% in Rhode Island. In Massachusetts, where Cradles to Crayons was founded, an estimated 385,000 children live in poverty alongside those in neighboring New Hampshire. For families struggling to afford housing and food, essential items like durable, well-fitting shoes often become an unaffordable luxury.

"We truly appreciate our partnership with ScrubaDub, which helps us get more shoes out to kids who need them," said Alicia Kabir, executive director for Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts. "By receiving high-quality shoes that fit, kids can be more confident at school, on the playground, and at home. Clothing and shoes are expensive, and receiving these items at no cost allows families to focus their budgets on other basic needs that kids require."

A Nine-Year Partnership Driving Change

The longevity of the "Clean For Kicks" campaign speaks volumes about its success and the enduring commitment of both organizations. Now in its ninth year, the partnership has become a springtime tradition for many New Englanders, demonstrating a sustainable model for corporate-non-profit collaboration. It is a cornerstone of Cradles to Crayons' "Spring Greening" initiative, which not only provides essentials to children but also promotes environmental sustainability by diverting thousands of gently used items from landfills.

"ScrubaDub, a third-generation family business celebrating 60 years in our communities, believes every child deserves shoes that fit and the confidence that comes with them," stated Kory Vagos, Marketing Manager at ScrubaDub. "We're proud to make it easy to give back this spring and support children in need."

To further engage the community and make donating a family-friendly event, select ScrubaDub locations will host appearances by local sports mascots. Families can look forward to photo opportunities and giveaways with Trax from the Worcester Railers in Shrewsbury on April 12, as well as Smiley from the Worcester Red Sox and Slugger from the Portland Sea Dogs at their respective local washes on April 18.

More Than a Donation: The Cradles to Crayons Model

Donations collected during the campaign are funneled into one of the nation's most effective and highly-regarded non-profit operations. Since its founding in 2002, Cradles to Crayons has earned Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating every year since 2009—a distinction achieved by only 1% of rated charities, signifying exceptional financial health, transparency, and accountability.

The organization’s success lies in its unique distribution model. Rather than operating a public-facing storefront, Cradles to Crayons partners with a robust network of over 300 social service agencies, schools, hospitals, and homeless shelters. These "Service Partners" place orders for specific children, ensuring that the donated items—from shoes and coats to books and school supplies—are tailored to a child's individual needs and size. Volunteers at regional "Giving Factory" warehouses then sort, inspect, and package the donations to fulfill these orders, guaranteeing that only high-quality items reach the children.

This meticulous process ensures that donations made at a ScrubaDub car wash are efficiently and respectfully delivered to a child who needs them most. With a capacity to distribute over one million clothing packages annually across its markets in Massachusetts, Philadelphia, and Chicago, Cradles to Crayons has created a powerful engine for combating Clothing Insecurity on a massive scale.

Corporate Responsibility in the Fast Lane

In an era where consumers increasingly expect businesses to be good community stewards, ScrubaDub’s "Clean For Kicks" campaign stands out. While many companies engage in seasonal fundraisers, the nine-year duration, deep integration with a single non-profit, and clear, tangible mission distinguish this initiative. It moves beyond a simple marketing tactic to become a core part of the company's identity as a community-focused, family-owned business.

Compared to typical industry CSR efforts, which often involve one-off fundraising events, ScrubaDub's model demonstrates a long-term strategic investment in its community. By leveraging its extensive network of over 20 high-traffic locations, the company provides a convenient and accessible platform for philanthropy, effectively turning its customer base into a community of donors. This approach not only maximizes the campaign's reach but also builds lasting brand loyalty and reinforces the company's deep roots in New England.

As the campaign kicks off, it serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful social impact can be woven into the fabric of everyday life. For the next three weeks, the simple act of cleaning a car offers New Englanders a direct route to brightening a child's future, one pair of shoes at a time.