Crayons and Beyond directly impacts children and families by removing barriers to learning and making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Since 1997, the organization has distributed more than $214 million in free classroom supplies and other essential resources. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Stephen Bernstein, director of marketing and communications for Crayons and Beyond, to find out more about their efforts.
You recently changed your name from Crayons to Computers to Crayons and Beyond. What inspired the new name, and what does it better communicate about your work today?
When Crayons to Computers was founded nearly 30 years ago, donated computers were a significant part of what we provided to schools. Over time, the needs of teachers and students changed. Today, our focus is on providing essential school supplies, resources and student support items.
Our new name, Crayons and Beyond, better reflects who we are today. While crayons remain symbolic of learning, and “Beyond” represents everything else we provide, it also reflects our commitment to going beyond supplies by helping level the educational playing field for students in need and giving every child the confidence to learn.
Many people don’t realize how often teachers purchase classroom supplies with their own money. What does that reality look like in our local schools?
Many educators are spending hundreds of dollars and more of their own money each year to make sure their students have basic supplies, healthy snacks and personal care items.
In our region, we serve teachers in schools where at least 55% of students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches. For many families, purchasing school supplies simply isn’t possible. Teachers don’t want students to feel embarrassed or left behind, so they quietly fill those gaps.
That’s where Crayons and Beyond comes in. We help relieve that financial burden so teachers can focus on teaching instead of worrying about how they’ll afford the supplies their students need.
What types of supplies are teachers able to receive through Crayons and Beyond?
Teachers have access to thousands of essential items, including traditional school supplies, healthy snacks and personal care items. We know that when a child’s basic needs are met, they’re better able to focus, participate and succeed.
Teachers can visit our Teacher Resource Center (located on Tennessee Avenue), order supplies online (crayonsandbeyond.org), or receive items through Hubbard’s Cupboard located directly in schools.
What are your biggest goals for the next few years?
Over the next few years, we’re focused on expanding our impact by growing programs like Hubbard’s Cupboard, and increasing online ordering and delivery services.
Through our Leveling the Education Playing Field Comprehensive Campaign, we’re also investing in our facilities so we can serve more educators more efficiently and continue meeting the growing demand.
Ultimately, success means that no teacher has to spend personal money on classroom essentials and no child has to go without the supplies they need to learn.
How can local businesses and families get involved?
Financial contributions have the greatest impact because they allow us to purchase needed supplies.
Businesses can sponsor programs, organize employee volunteer projects, host supply drives or become campaign partners. Families can volunteer in our warehouse, donate new school supplies, make a financial gift, or simply help spread awareness about our mission.
