Introduction

Many students in our community cannot afford basic school supplies. Imagine the frustration of a child who wants to learn, yet lacks basic tools such as pens, pencils, even paper. In the classroom, books and other supplies can be scarce or nonexistent. Every business routinely discards surplus office supplies, books, arts-and-craft materials, containers, organization bins, and more. Our students and teachers desperately need these materials, and businesses would much prefer to have them used effectively. Crayons to Computers gathers surplus items from businesses and individuals and offers them at no charge to school teachers for use in their classrooms. By making these items available, we facilitate student and teacher creativity, help teachers provide basic educational tools (while saving money), and simultaneously provide an opportunity for members of the community to reuse surplus goods.