How a Simple Pack of Restaurant Crayons Sparked an Initiative to Support Underfunded Schools

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We’ve all experienced those dining moments when we wish our kids would let us savor our meals in peace. As we eagerly await the familiar arrival of coloring sheets and crayons, we cling to the hope that they will keep our little ones entertained. But have you ever wondered what happens to those crayons left behind at the table, with your child clenching their macaroni-streaked coloring sheet as you exit? This question lingered in the mind of founder and president Emily Hart of Crayon Conservation after a meal with her three-year-old daughter. She realized these crayons could be repurposed for a greater good.

Crayon Conservation offers an eco-friendly solution by collecting and recycling crayons from restaurants while ensuring that arts education continues to thrive in underfunded schools. The organization not only supplies arts education curricula to schools and community centers but also nurtures a passion for art in children who might otherwise lack access to such resources.

In 2010, Emily launched Crayon Conservation with a vision to promote environmental responsibility and to integrate art education into financially struggling school systems. A 2020 report from the National Education Fund indicated a staggering disparity in school funding across the United States, revealing that predominantly white districts receive $25 billion more than those serving primarily students of color. Specifically, high-poverty districts with mostly students of color receive approximately $1,700 less per student than the national average, while predominantly white districts, even if poor, receive only about $150 less.

This funding gap is why many schools are forced to cut essential programs, with arts education often being the first to go. Crayon Conservation seeks to change this unfortunate trend. Emily transformed her concern about abandoned restaurant crayons into an innovative initiative that helps Title 1 schools bridge the educational divide. Reflecting on the inception of Crayon Conservation, Emily said, “I was taken aback by the realization that many schools in the U.S. lack sufficient funds for basic supplies, often forcing teachers to purchase their own materials. The absence of arts education was particularly shocking and made me realize the need to support local communities. We aimed to extend Crayon Conservation’s reach to all 50 states and even beyond whenever possible.” Since its founding, the organization has donated over a million crayons to schools and centers in need. In 2022, Crayon Conservation earned a Guinness World Record for the most crayons donated.

Crayon Conservation’s arts education program equips schools, after-school programs, and community centers with the necessary tools to introduce arts education to children. Their curriculum aligns with STEM standards, allowing teachers from various disciplines to incorporate art into their classrooms.

Crayon Conservation operates across the United States and in 12 countries, offering four key programs to support children’s social and emotional development: Crayon Recycling, Arts Education, Color Kindness, and H.O.W. (Habits of Waste). They collect crayons from various donors, including restaurants, schools, and businesses. When the pandemic struck, Crayon Conservation distributed 50,000 crayons to children to ensure they had access to art resources while learning from home. Emily highlighted, “With many children unable to attend school, we sent crayons directly to families, ensuring that kids could still engage with art education at home. We also pivoted to our Color Kindness program, encouraging kids to write uplifting notes for frontline workers and distribute them in their communities.”

The essential takeaway is that anyone can help support children in need. If your kids have bags of unused crayons lying around from the school year, consider donating them! It’s that easy. You can visit Crayon Conservation to learn more about how you can get involved today.

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In summary, Crayon Conservation is a remarkable initiative that turned a simple idea into a movement, providing much-needed resources for arts education in underfunded schools while promoting environmental sustainability.