Top 40 supplier Charles River Apparel (asi/44620), known for its philanthropic efforts, has increased its involvement with a singularly Bostonian event: Christmas in the City.

Started in 1989, this 100% volunteer-run nonprofit is an annual holiday party for thousands of homeless children and their families in the Boston area. Founded by the owners of Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy in Boston, who continue to run point on the massive yearly undertaking, the now-famous event took place at the Boston Convention Center on Dec. 22.

Charles River Apparel Co-owners Barry and Deb Lipsett (center) and other Charles River employees volunteer at the annual Christmas in the City charity event.

Over 6,000 families joined the festivities this year, in which each child was given a gift, a meal with their family, a backpack of new school supplies and toiletries, as well as free access to the indoor amusement park, petting zoo and many other kid-friendly activities. The next day – referred to as “Monday Mania” – upwards of 25,000 donated items were distributed to deserving families who were encouraged to fill up their shopping bags.

"Double" Giving Tuesday!

Yesterday, Virginia Trace from Watson's Candy stopped by our Clothing for a Cause Pop-Up Store where we donate 50% of the sales to Christmas in the City. She purchased over 100 items of clothing and is donating everything toto Home for Little Wanderers. pic.twitter.com/H5cpZ77vSk

— Charles River Apparel (@Charles_River) December 4, 2019

A longtime supporter of the event, Charles River Apparel led a volunteer team made up of employees, friends and family. The supplier also hosted its first three-day “Clothing for a Cause” pop-up store, which kicked off on Giving Tuesday 2019. As a result of the charitable effort, the company was able to donate over $20,000 to Christmas in the City. In an additional effort to raise money at the event, Charles River employees sold exclusive Christmas in the City Camden Crew sweatshirts to volunteers, donating 100% of the sales to the charity.

“Volunteering for Christmas in the City is truly the highlight of our year,” said Deb Lipsett, co-owner of Charles River Apparel. “We are deeply grateful to have the opportunity to give our time and donate toys and Charles River Apparel jackets to hundreds of children in need.”

With reported 2018 North American promotional product revenue of $47 million, Charles River Apparel ranked 37th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. In 2017, Charles River Apparel was named Counselor’s Supplier Family Business of the Year.