Mission & History
Mission & History
MISSION & HISTORY
Founded in 1997, Crayons to Computers has worked to level the playing field in the classroom by providing students in need the tools to succeed in school. To date, we have successfully distributed more than $200 million worth of school supplies, incentive items, classroom enhancements, hygiene items, and healthy snacks to area teachers and their students in need. Since our inception, poverty levels—both national and local—have steadily increased. We have not changed our service area or our eligibility criteria, the need is simply growing. In fact, according to recent census data, approximately 1 out of every 5 children living in the Greater Cincinnati area is living in poverty.
“Approximately 1 out of every 7 children living in the Greater Cincinnati area is living in poverty.”
Through our Teacher Free Store, online ordering, and the Hubbard’s Cupboard program, we are able to offer a variety of materials that support learning, including basic supplies like books, crayons, paper, scissors, and pencils, as well as enrichment and incentive items, healthy snacks, and hygiene items that teachers can use to motivate and inspire student engagement. Products are donated or purchased at reduced or wholesale prices from partnering companies.
When students have the necessary tools to achieve, the possibilities are endless. In fact, 78% have an increased interest in learning, 92% have increased class preparedness, and 82% have increased class participation. The numbers speak for themselves!
When people come together to create great things, great things happen. These are the scientists, doctors, and lawyers of tomorrow. So from Crayons to Computers and anything in between, we will be here for the students of today as well as the future.
Who We Are
Who We Are
WHO WE ARE
The Tools to Achieve Anything.
For an underprivileged child, every school supply holds the potential for something new. Something bigger. Something better. That’s why Crayons to Computers is dedicated to providing kids with the supplies they need to succeed in school and life. It’s simple, yet so crucial.
One pencil can draw the path to literacy. One box of crayons can color the imagination with new possibilities. These ordinary supplies can have an extraordinary impact and change the course of a child’s life. Let’s give them the tools they deserve and the chance to achieve anything.
What We Do
What We Do
WHAT WE DO
Bridge the Gap.
We strive to provide the link between academic success and poverty. Crayons to Computers is comprised of people who push the boundaries of what is possible within our city and organization. Bringing joy to underprivileged kids is what drives us to continue to challenge the limits and spread our organization’s message locally, regionally and nationally. At the end of the day, generating excitement around education is what we’re all about.
Here For
Here For
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
KIDS
Our students are the leaders of tomorrow. With broad interests and a love of learning, we aim to encourage their curiosity both inside and outside of the classroom. When given the necessary supplies, everything is possible!
TEACHERS
Teachers are at the heart of our operation. Together with their passion to teach and inspire, we hope to alleviate the stresses of purchasing classroom supplies out of pocket.
SCHOOLS
The schools we serve house people who come together to share in a love of learning. Helping to activate the potential in all of our students, the schools and their staffs are a prime component in Crayons to Computers' success.
report card (2023-24)
$6.6 million worth of free school supplies
Distributed during the 2023–24 School Year!
Kids in Need Fo.
Kids in Need Fo.
In Memory of Dick Bere
On September 24, 2024, Crayons lost a legend! Dick Bere, long-time volunteer COO and often considered to be Crayons to Computers’ co-founder, passed away. Dick was an integral part of much of Crayons’ journey over the past 27 years—helping to level the playing field for thousands of teachers and their students in need. We are grateful for his vision and leadership and touched by his kind heart. He will forever be remembered as the patriarch of the Crayons family. He will be missed, but not forgotten.