Crayons to Classrooms donates supplies to Wright State teacher education graduates

Recent graduates of Wright State’s educator preparation programs checked off items they need to stock their classrooms this year at Crayons for Classrooms.

2023 graduates of Wright State University’s educator preparation programs recently received the gift of a well-stocked classroom.

Crayons to Classrooms hosted 49 Wright State alumni who now serve as teachers in the Dayton area at its store for a free shopping spree to stock up on supplies to fill their first classrooms. Over $66,000 of supplies was distributed at the July 20 event.

“We specifically chose to partner with new Wright State teachers because the majority of Wright State alumni stay local to Dayton,” said Malena Jackson, marketing coordinator for Crayons to Classrooms. “This is a pilot program, and we wanted to be able to give products to as many first-year teachers as we could so Wright State was a great choice.”

Jackson said teachers are often left with the financial burden of purchasing classroom necessities and supplies for many students who come to school unprepared. Crayons to Classrooms removes this financial burden.

“They were amazed at the amount of product they could take, and several marveled about being able to take several boxes of items like goggles and hand sanitizer,” said Jackson.

In December, Wright State’s Office of Partnerships and Field Experiences collected $1,000 in materials during an on-campus school supply drive to benefit Crayons to Classrooms.

“It was a perfect way to showcase holiday spirit while benefitting area classrooms. Classroom supplies are needed throughout the school year, not just in August,” said Tracey Kramer, director of the Office of Partnerships and Field Experiences. “The Office of Partnerships and Field Experiences wanted to highlight this need in December and also begin sharing details about the July shopping event to the soon-to-be graduates.”

Crayons to Classrooms distributes school supplies at no cost to teachers of students in need in the Greater Dayton area. The nonprofit serves teachers at schools where 60% or more of the student body participates in the free and reduced school lunch program. For more information about Crayons to Classrooms, visit crayonstoclassrooms.org.