To provide accessibility to recycled art supplies to under-served facilities locally and internationally while preserving the environment.

In 2015, it was reported that over 100 million crayons are thrown out each year by over 15,000 chain-style restaurants. Crayons are made of paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum and crude oil. This wax is not biodegradable. Around 45,000 to 75,000 pounds of used crayons are discarded in landfills. Crayons can take anywhere from decades to a century to decompose. Not only this, but crayons mixed with by-products can cause low carbon pollution.

Many underserved facilities (schools, hospitals, orphanages,etc.) do not have the luxury of purchasing art supplies. Their priorities are food, clothing, shelter, and education. Which is why colors4change’s mission is to provide these underserved facilities with gently used or new art supplies. It is extremely important to foster creativity within children. In fact, art helps children develop mentally, socially, and emotionally. It boosts young kids’ abilities to analyze and problem solve. Art also helps improve their fine motor skills. Besides all the health benefits, who doesn’t love coloring more than children?  

While donating crayons is not a novel idea, colors4change is working locally and internationally. Yes, there is the Crayon Initiative which focuses specifically on hospitals. However, we are working at not just hospitals, but orphanages, schools, and even in third world countries. We are a teen-led organization, hoping to add color to a child’s life, one crayon at a time.

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