C2C Staff Spotlight: 8 Questions with Lindsey Cuddeback

“Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have everything I needed and I feel like it’s my duty to help children who may not be as fortunate.”

Lindsey Cuddeback is an AmeriCorps VISTA completing a year of service as the Marketing and Development Coordinator at Cradles to Crayons in Boston. She creates all of the newsletters, e-mail blasts, brochures, invitations, signage, and manages the website.

Why did you decide to work at C2C?
I wanted to do my year of service at a place that helped children. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have everything I needed and I feel like it’s my duty to help children who may not be as fortunate.

What is your favorite station in the Giving Factory to work at?
OUTFITS. I think it’s just really fun to pick out cute clothes for children.

What story about a child we have served has stuck with you most?
I was working on a one-sheet that detailed our need for shoes and found a story about a 4 year old girl named Navaeh. Her mom couldn’t figure out why Navaeh didn’t want to go to the playground, why she would cry and not play with her peers. Her mother eventually realized that Navaeh’s feet hurt because her shoes didn’t fit her correctly. Unable to afford new shoes, her mom had one of our partners place an order with us. After Navaeh received her new pair of shoes, her mother noticed a huge difference – she was now excited to go to the playground and play with her friends.

Working at C2C you don’t always get to see the impact of your work. Yes, you can figure out how many children we’ve served – how many KidPacks we’ve given out and how many school supply filled backpacks we distributed, but you don’t get to see the child’s smiling face when they receive their KidPack. You don’t get to see that the brand new birthday present a 6 year old child just received may be the only new toy he gets all year. You don’t get to see the way a 12 year olds self-esteem is lifted now that she has clothes that fit her that aren’t hand-me downs from her older siblings. Quite simply, you may not see the ripple effect that happens when a child gets the everyday essentials they need. You just never know how much it can impact each child.

Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Cadillac, Michigan. If you were sitting in front of me, I’d point to it on my hand and show you exactly where I’m from! I miss a lot about my hometown. I miss the way you walk down the street and wave at complete strangers like they are your BFF. I miss the summers there: bonfires, camping, walking around the lake. But most of all, I miss the pizza from this tiny pizza joint called G&D. YUM.

What was your favorite book, toy, or outfit as a child?
Ok, so it’s not an outfit, toy or book, but it’s a purse that was actually a shoe! See picture. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m kind of a dork, so I love: reading, writing, crocheting and knitting, sewing, watching TV, exploring new places, and pretending to be good at things.

Who is your role model?
My mom. Yeah, I’m a nerd but she’s just awesome. She will do anything for anyone and she’s just an all-around cool chick.

If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?
Oh man, this is a difficult question but I’m going with Paul McCartney because I am a huge Beatles fan and that would just be awesome.

Thank you for allowing us to learn about you, Lindsey! Stay tuned for more staff spotlights each Friday.