The start of the school year often begins with a new backpack, freshly sharpened pencils, bright smiles and curious minds ready for a new year of learning. Teachers, eager to meet their new students, create their welcome packets, arrange the tables and chairs and decorate their classrooms. These preparations for the school year begin before any students or teachers enter the classroom, while parents start tackling the dreaded list of school supplies.
According to the National Education Association, teachers spend between $500 and $750 each year to provide classroom essentials for their students. Many area families are in a tight financial situation, and teachers have stepped in to fill the gap, providing everything from crayons and folders to glue sticks and notebooks, with some even offering snack foods for their students.
Crayons to Classrooms is a local nonprofit organization that helps teachers with the costs of setting up their classrooms. The program, which began in 2008, serves Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Warren counties. Their goal is to collect donations and collaborate with business partners to provide teachers with supplies at no cost.
Barbara Shon is a Centerville resident who retired after more than 30 years of teaching, and she knows all too well the challenges teachers face. Barbara wanted to stay active in retirement and has been volunteering with Crayons to Classrooms for nearly 13 years.
“I enjoy interacting with new and experienced teachers and sharing materials and ideas with them,” Barbara enthuses.
Malena Ball, marketing coordinator for Crayons to Classrooms, notes that the program’s main vision is for all students to have the tools they need to succeed. “We understand that many local families need to spend their time and money focusing on putting food on the table for their children–purchasing school supplies shouldn’t need to be a priority,” Malena says.
Almost 4,000 teachers from 143 schools and childcare centers “shop” for free supplies for their students through Crayons to Classroom’s retail store. Typically, each teacher who participates in the program works at a school where about 60 percent of students take part in the income-based National School Lunch Program, which offers reduced-cost or free breakfast and lunch to students.
“It allows them to focus on teaching, knowing that every student is equipped and ready to learn,” Malena explains. “We distributed over $2.8 million in supplies in the last school year alone and have surpassed $40 million in distributions since our opening in 2009.”
Both Barbara and Malena have witnessed the impact that Crayons to Classrooms has on students and teachers.
“There is so much value in setting young children and high schoolers up for success by giving them the tools they need to succeed. They are the future of our community and deserve a level playing field in the classroom,” Malena emphasizes.
Barbara agrees, noting that the program uses every donation to its fullest.
“I have seen and heard the appreciation from the teachers, and how it has had a positive impact on learning for their students,” she tells us. “Everyone strives to help the teachers and students have what they need to succeed.”
The program relies on eight full-time employees, two part-time employees and 875 volunteers. Roughly 100 of the volunteers are regular, year-round participants. This year also brings leadership changes to Crayons to Classrooms as Amy Kopp became the group’s executive director in June, following the retirement of founder Steve Rubenstein.
Amy joined Crayons to Classrooms in 2020 as director of development. She proved instrumental in expanding funding and programs.
“I’m honored to step into this role,” she shared in May when her new position was announced. “Now more than ever, students and teachers need strong support systems, and I’m eager to grow our reach and deepen our impact across the Miami Valley.”
The Crayons to Classrooms summer supply drive, known as Stuff the Bus, will run through August 31. Donations are accepted at their resource center, located at 1750 Woodman Drive, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Collection boxes are also available at various locations throughout the Miami Valley. A $1 donation can provide more than $5 worth of school supplies.
Malena shares that she is grateful to be part of an organization that supports teachers and empowers students.
“When students come to class prepared, it boosts their confidence and engagement, and when teachers don’t have to worry about buying materials out of their own pockets, they can focus fully on what matters most–teaching.”
Donation inquiries can be directed to Michelle Wood at m.wood@crayonstoclassrooms.org. Volunteer inquiries can be directed to Jaida Anderson at j.anderson@crayonstoclassrooms.org. For more information, visit CrayonsToClassrooms.org.