It is a sobering reality that Cincinnati is one of the poorest cities in the country. The overall poverty rate in Cincinnati is more than 24% compared to 18% nationally. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 40% of children in the city of Cincinnati live below the federal poverty level and across the region, nearly 18% of children live below the poverty level. Families struggling to put food on their table cannot prioritize purchasing school supplies.

Founded in 1997, Crayons to Computers has worked to level the playing field in the classroom by ensuring that teachers can provide their students in need the tools to succeed in school. To date, Crayons has distributed more than $208 million worth of free school supplies, hygiene items, healthy snacks, enhancement and incentive items thanks to our partnerships with sponsoring companies and organizations. Since our inception, poverty levels—both national and local—have steadily increased. We have not changed our service area in recent years, the need is simply growing. In fact, according to recent census data, approximately 1 out of every 7 children living in the Greater Cincinnati area is living in poverty.

Teachers are the heart of what we do. 94% of teachers routinely spend more than $500 out of their own pocket every year to provide tools for their classrooms. We hope to alleviate some of their financial burden.

Through our Teacher Resource Center (Store), online ordering for pickup or delivery, and Hubbard’s Cupboard, we are able to offer a variety of materials that support learning, including basic supplies like crayons, paper, scissors, and pencils, as well as enrichment and incentive items that teachers can use to motivate and inspire student engagement. Products are donated or purchased at reduced or wholesale prices from partnering companies.

Students without access to adequate resources often face insurmountable challenges. When students have the tools necessary to achieve, the possibilities are endless. In fact, according to our June 2025 Educator Survey Impact Report, 96% of educators agree that the products received from Crayons enrich their students’ learning experiences and teachers say that once school supplies are available: 

• 92% of students who receive supplies from Crayons are more engaged in learning   

• 86% of educators saw an increase in students’ self-esteem after receiving products from Crayons   

• 84% of educators agree that without Crayons, basic education supply needs of students would go unmet   

Further, research has shown that student outcomes are affected by teacher morale and teacher turnover. We learned from our Educator Survey that:

• 96.4% of educators feel a sense of support because of their experience with Crayons. (teacher morale)

• 84.6% agree that because of the supplies they receive from Crayons, they experience joy in teaching more often (teacher morale)

• 85.3% agree that supplies and sense of support they receive from Crayons makes them more likely to continue teaching at a high-need school (teacher turnover)

Their students are the scientists, doctors, and lawyers of tomorrow. Crayons to Computers will be here for the students of today as well as the future.

Their Crayons Stories

In honor of our 25th Anniversary, we wanted to hear from volunteers, teacher shoppers, donors, and Board members about what Crayons means to them. The videos below highlight their Crayons journeys and/or what they’re most proud of through their long association with Crayons over the years.