We’ve all experienced those moments at restaurants when we wish our kids would let us enjoy a hot meal in peace. The arrival of the beloved coloring sheet and crayons brings a glimmer of hope that they will be entertained for a while. But have you ever pondered what happens to those crayons once your child leaves them behind, clutching their macaroni-smeared artwork as you make your exit? Where do all those crayons end up? This question was on the mind of Mia Thompson, the Founder and President of Crayon Initiative, after sharing a meal with her three-year-old daughter.
Mia believed these crayons could serve a greater purpose. Thus, the Crayon Initiative was born, focusing on an eco-friendly approach by recycling restaurant crayons to support arts education in underfunded schools. The organization not only supplies schools and community centers with essential arts education materials but also nurtures a passion for creativity in children who might otherwise lack such opportunities.
Founded in 2009, Mia’s mission with the Crayon Initiative was twofold: to promote environmental awareness while also enhancing arts education in financially strapped school systems. A 2019 report from EdBuild revealed a staggering disparity in school funding across the U.S. The report highlighted that predominantly white school districts receive $23 billion more than those serving primarily students of color. Moreover, high-poverty districts that mainly educate students of color receive approximately $1,600 less per student than the national average. This disparity often leads schools to cut crucial programs, with arts education frequently being the first to go.
Mia’s concern for abandoned restaurant crayons transformed into a groundbreaking organization that helps Title 1 schools bridge the educational divide. When she began her journey, Mia was shocked to discover that many schools lacked the funds to purchase supplies and that teachers often had to use their own money for classroom materials. She was equally astonished to learn that arts education was omitted in many curricula, reinforcing her resolve to make a difference in her community. The Crayon Initiative has since distributed over one million crayons to schools and centers in need, and in 2021, it earned recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records for the most crayons donated.
The Crayon Initiative enriches schools, after-school programs, and community centers with the tools to deliver arts education to kids. Their programs, which align with STEM lessons, empower teachers across various subjects to incorporate art into their classrooms.
The organization collects crayons from anyone willing to donate, including restaurants, schools, and businesses. During the pandemic, the Crayon Initiative sent out 40,000 crayons to families, recognizing the unique circumstances that left many kids without access to creative resources. Mia noted, “With schools closed, we wanted to ensure kids had art supplies at home. We also pivoted to our Color Kindness initiative, where we encouraged children to write supportive notes to frontline workers.”
This story highlights a crucial lesson: we can all contribute to helping kids in need. Do your children have bags of unused crayons lying around from the past school year? Give them a new purpose! It’s that easy. To learn more about how you can help, visit Crayon Initiative today.
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Summary
A simple packet of restaurant crayons inspired Mia Thompson to create the Crayon Initiative, an organization dedicated to recycling crayons to support arts education in underfunded schools. Since its inception in 2009, the initiative has donated over a million crayons and developed programs that enhance creativity in children, particularly in Title 1 schools facing financial challenges. Through their efforts, they aim to bridge the educational gap and foster a love of art among children.