Crayons to Classrooms was born out of a deep concern for underserved students and the teachers who were dedicated to helping them thrive. In 2006, a group of concerned citizens and community leaders decided to address the issue of students going to school without school supplies, and teachers using their own funds to provide for the students in their classrooms. A Teacher Free Store Steering Committee was organized in Dayton, Ohio by representatives from potential sponsoring and participating organizations, including the Mathile Family Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, and Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV). After working with a consultant to develop a comprehensive Strategic Business and Operating Feasibility Study, the committee resolved to establish Crayons to Classrooms.
Articles of incorporation were completed in January 2008. On March 20, 2008, we received certification from the IRS as a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization. Our first location was built in a GESMV building on Kuntz Road in Dayton.
In January, we began a pilot program for eight schools. Our Grand Opening was in September!
Just 2 years after opening, in February of 2011, we reached our Million Dollar Moment, distributing $1M worth of school supplies.
In August, we moved to our current location on Woodman Drive. This location provides 13,300 square feet of warehouse storage, retail store space, and office space.
In October of 2016, we celebrated the distribution of $10 million worth of school supplies to Dayton-area teachers.
In response to the Memorial Day tornadoes, C2C distributed $250,000 in backpacks and school supplies to affected schools and students.
C2C closed our Teacher Resource center during the quarantine, but still distributed over $140,000 in school supplies and hygiene items.
In January, we rolled out our new logo and redesigned website. Learn more about our logo here!
In March 2023, we celebrated the distribution of $30 million worth of school supplies distributed to teachers in the Greater Dayton area. Read about this milestone here!
You can support Crayons to Classrooms by making a financial donation, donating supplies, or volunteering your time or talent. We deeply value your contribution to help build a stronger future for local schoolchildren.
"I ALWAYS look forward to my Crayons to Classrooms throughout the semester! I can always count on them to have exactly what I need to replenish my classroom. Whether it be general supplies, bookbags, prizes for a prize box, decorations, and even masks now. I love getting new things to show my students and they are always excited when I carry in the bags or boxes from my trip!"
Don’t miss out on the latest Crayons to Classrooms’ updates and ways YOU can help local teachers and students! Click here to sign up for our newsletter!
