Mission: We secure and distribute school supplies at no cost to teachers of students in need.
Results: Since opening to eight pilot schools in January 2009 through February 2017, we have distributed over $12.2M in supplies during 13,730 teacher shopping visits to teachers from 90 schools.
Target demographics: get school supplies to students who live at or below the federal poverty level.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 90 schools and 30,000 students
Geographic areas served: the Greater Dayton, OH region.
Programs: operation of a teacher resource center - also known as a "free store for teachers" or a store without a cash register. Since January 2009 through the 2015-2016 school year, we have provided school supplies that are essential to academic success - at no cost to students' teachers, families, or schools. Over $9.6 in supplies have been distributed to 83 schools during 11,555 teacher "shopping visits." During the 2016-2017 school year, teachers from 90 schools will visit Crayons to Classrooms to pick up free supplies to return to their classrooms and their students who need them.
Our firm selects 1-2 chariiesy each year to support through financial, marketing and volunteering efforts. We were made aware that Crayons to Classrooms existed the middle of last year. It is amazing what they have accomplished in such a short time of existence! This is only possible due to the stellar leadership of Steve Rubenstein, his team including Deb Seger and the incredible volunteers that give so much. Steve has made a concentrated effort to get the DC2C mission told to as many corporations as possible and the organization, teachers and students are now reaping the rewards of sewing these seeds. Our community needs Crayons to Classrooms and we're blessed to have great leadership to help it grow!
Crayons to Classrooms is a great organization to work with! They make every project impactful for both local students and the donors and volunteers who participate. What an inspiring organization to volunteer for!
Crayons to Classrooms highlights a need for schools that serve low income students. They stock a wide variety of school supplies that teachers can then come and "shop" for (all for free). Many people have heard that teachers spend their own money to provide things that their students need. This nonprofit has opened the eyes of the citizens of Dayton, OH, and allowed the community to take this burden off teachers' shoulders. The office and store are well-run and the staff excellent. A model organization.
Our region is particularly fragile. With the loss of major automotive, technology and manufacturing employers, our schools are feeling a bigger pinch than ever. That impacts our students as well. They are lucky to have shoes and winter jacket, much less an assortment of pencils, glue sticks, lined paper and binders. Crayons to Classrooms supplements what our classrooms can no longer afford.
