Before the Pajama Activity

Join us in supporting Cradles to Crayons during NAACO’s 2026 Annual Conference!

Each year, NAACO selects a local organization to honor and uplift in appreciation of our conference’s host city or region. For the 2026 Annual Conference, we are delighted to partner with Cradles to Crayons, a Newton, MA–based nonprofit, in support of their Pajama Drive.

The Cradles to Crayons mission is to unite communities in supporting children experiencing clothing insecurity, ensuring every child has the comfort and confidence to learn, play, and grow. Now more than ever, our collective generosity offers meaningful, immediate assistance to families navigating economic challenges. By contributing to this initiative, we proudly carry forward NAACO’s commitment to supporting and celebrating student success. Our goal is 100% member participation.

As a thank-you for your support, you’ll also be entered into an opportunity drawing to receive 50% off your 2027 conference registration.

There are two ways to make your impact felt:

Support Cradles to Crayons’ February Pajama Drive
To make giving simple and meaningful, Cradles to Crayons has created an Amazon wish list where members can purchase pajamas that will be delivered directly to children and families in need. Our goal is to provide warm, comfortable sleepwear for 110 children, helping them feel safe, supported, and cared for throughout the winter season. We warmly invite you to join us in making a difference, one cozy pair of pajamas at a time.

Cradles to Crayon Pajama Wishlist for NAACO 2026 Conference

Submit your Amazon purchase or donation receipt to ​​this Google Form by Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET ​​in order to be included in the drawing for 50% off your 2027 conference registration.

Donate Directly via the Cradles to Crayons Portal
You can also make a direct gift to Cradles to Crayons, no matter the size, to provide essential items and comfort to children who need it most.

Cradles to Crayons Donate Now

When making your donation, simply select “Yes” under the “Organization” heading and enter NAACO 2026 in the text field. This ensures your generosity is counted toward our collective effort.

Together, we can extend warmth, dignity, and hope to even more children and families.

Cradles to Crayons Pajama Party – Sunday, February 22 | 7:30–9:00 PM

Kick off the conference with a night of fun that also gives back! Join us at the conference hotel for our Pajama Party and Drive Kick-Off in support of Cradles to Crayons. Slip into your coziest pajamas or fleeciest institution-branded pjs/sweats–you know you sleep in them, too!

Connect with fellow NAACO members while making a meaningful impact and begin the week with warmth, joy, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

2026 NAACO Cares Sunday Night Activity

Pajamas with Purpose: A Networking & Fashion Show Kick-Off for Cradles to Crayons
Sunday, February 22 | 7:30–9:00 PM

Join us for a feel-good and fun evening where connection meets compassion. Pajamas with Purpose: A Networking & Fashion Show Kick-Off for Cradles to Crayons brings together friendly faces, relaxed style, and a shared purpose, all in support of Cradles to Crayons, our NAACO Cares initiative for the 2026 conference. Enjoy a warm welcome and charity spotlight, break the ice with playful Networking Bingo, and delight in a pajama fashion show that shows just how chic comfy can be.

We’ll close the night with a meaningful call to action, giving everyone a chance to make a real difference. More details will be shared soon on how to sign up to attend, and how to step into the spotlight as part of the fashion show. Slip into your favorite PJs, make great connections, and leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and glad you joined us.