Crayons and Beyond

Crayons and Beyond (originally Crayons to Computers) came into existence through a project of Leadership Cincinnati Class XIX. Crayons and Beyond exists to level the playing field in the classroom by ensuring teachers can provide their students in need the tools to succeed in school. The Leveling the Education Playing Field Comprehensive Campaign launched publicly in late February and supports program expansion, facility renovations, and increased teacher accessibility.

Did you know that teachers routinely spend $500-1,000 out of their own pockets to provide for their students and classrooms? Or that there are more than 150,000 pre-K to 12th graders – in the Greater Cincinnati region whose families struggle to put food on the table?

Teachers at schools where 55% or more of the students benefit from the USDA’s free/reduced lunch program or at preschools where more than half the students receive state assistance to attend are eligible to shop at Crayons and Beyond.

The team at Crayons knows that teachers are busy people with many competing demands. Time and distance can be barriers for teachers to come to Crayons’ physical location in Bond Hill to shop. That is why Crayons is expanding two alternative methods of distributing donated products (school supplies, incentive and classroom enhancement items) to teachers and launching a $6.1 million comprehensive campaign.

Crayons and Beyond (originally Crayons to Computers) came into existence through a project of Leadership Cincinnati Class XIX. The organization is one of several “legacy” projects of this signature Chamber program. Crayons has been a proud Silver member of the Chamber for many years.

Through their Teacher Resource Center, Hubbard’s Cupboard and online orders for pick-up and delivery, they offer a variety of materials that support learning, including basic supplies like crayons, paper, scissors, and pencils, hygiene products as well as enrichment and incentive items that teachers can use to motivate and inspire student engagement. Items are donated or purchased at reduced or wholesale prices and given to teachers when the programs operate (August – May).

The Leveling the Education Playing Field Comprehensive Campaign launched publicly in late February and supports program expansion, facility renovations (to support program expansion), and increased teacher accessibility.

Product available through the Store and other distribution methods is mostly donated (only about 5% of the product is purchased). Your company can help! Teachers are extraordinarily resourceful and put to good use many items that might not have an obvious educational purpose. In addition to basic products like pencils, paper, scissors, crayons, and glue, Crayons is grateful for items that can be used for incentives (think prize box) and enhancements (think books, décor and seasonal items) for the classroom.

According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, product donation programs have “emerged as a cost-effective alternative to disposal and liquidation.” An inventory donation may carry with it an income tax charitable deduction (consult your tax advisor), prevents inventory from ending up in a landfill, and can promote your company as a socially responsible citizen. We’d love to talk about ways your company could get involved. Please contact Christi Smith at csmith@crayonsandbeyond.org.

Learn more about Crayons by visiting their website, Facebook Page, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.