"Private initiatives for public good" -- here's how one person is doing it: As family member she saw how slightly-used children’s equipment and toys pile up; as former public policymaker she understood that many low-income parents must choose between paying the rent and children’s necessities (car seats, safety gates, backpacks, toys, art supplies); as businessperson her market analysis revealed an opening; so as caring strategist, she conceived Cradles to Crayons (C2C). Incorporated in 2002, it collects "gently used" children’s items and redistributes them to needy families. Recipient families are identified by agencies working with them; donation drives, involving both children and parents, are run by schools and neighborhood organizations. Volunteers do almost all the work. After helping 1,600 children in its first six months, C2C expanded to 7,200 children in 2003. Its goal is to enrich the lives of 13,000 children in 2004. If you like interesting start-ups, invest in this one.