Today we’re thrilled to share some information about an organization we are proud to support at Time Timer: Crayons to Computers.
Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1997, Crayons to Computers strives to bridge the financial gap between families in need and education.
Mission Statement
The mission of Crayons to Computers is “to level the playing field in the classroom by providing every student in need the tools to succeed in school.”
History of Crayons to Computers
Almost 45% of children in the city of Cincinnati, and nearly 20% of children across the region, live below the federal poverty level, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Since its founding, Crayons to Computers have distribution more than $184 million worth of free school supplies with the support of sponsoring companies and organizations—an incredible accomplishment.
However, their work is not done, as approximately 1 out of every 5 children living in the Greater Cincinnati area is living in poverty. In the 2020-2021, Crayons to Computers served 16 counties, 479 schools, 11,329 teachers, and 111,620 students.
Crayons to Computers understands that when students and teachers are given access to adequate resources and the tools to necessary to achieve, more equal learning environments are created, encouraging increased class participation and interest in learning.
Teacher Resource Center
As Crayons to Computers shares on their website, “Teachers are the heart of what we do. 94% of teachers routinely spend more than $500 out of their own pocket every year to provide tools for their classrooms. We hope to alleviate some of their financial burden.”
The organization’s hallmark program is the Teacher Resource Center, offering both options for in-store browsing and online ordering for pickup or delivery, allowing educators to access “materials that support learning, including basic supplies like crayons, paper, scissors, and pencils, as well as enrichment and incentive items that teachers can use to motivate and inspire student engagement.”
Additional Programs
Crayons to Computers also offers Mobile Outreach for teachers in outlying counties unable to make the trip to the Teacher Resource Center, a Preschool Program to support quality programs that prepares little ones for kindergarten and beyond, and Keep Our Kids Warm, a winter drive to collect handmade hats, scarves, and mittens to keep kids warm as they travel to school and while they play.
Get Involved
If you would like to support Crayons to Computers, the organization welcomes financial and product donations (all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law).
To learn more about Crayons to Computers, visit their website at https://www.crayons2computers.org/
Time Timer is proud to support this amazing organization helping teachers and students to succeed in school!