Partnership Brings Repurposed Crayons to Head Start Classrooms Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Crayon Collection, a national initiative that collects millions of repurposed crayons from restaurants across the country each year, and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) announced a partnership that will bring crayons into thousands of Head Start classrooms.

Founded in 2011 by philanthropist and southern California mom Sheila Michail Morovati the Crayon Collection’s mission is simple: to collect as many crayons as possible and donate them to kids. Billions of crayons are produced in the U.S. each year and many of them end up in landfills, taking years to decompose. Meanwhile, teachers in public schools spend an average of $750 of their own money for classroom supplies each year. Partnering with popular restaurant chains, including California Pizza Kitchen, Islands, and other national chains, the Crayon Collection collects millions of crayons and redistributes them to schools in low-income neighborhoods.

NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said: “Restaurants throw away millions of crayons each year. NHSA and the Crayon Collection will help keep crayons out of landfills and put them in the hands of vulnerable children. This partnership is a great example of how Head Start works innovatively to engage with businesses in local communities.”

Chairman of the Board of the Crayon Collection Said Morovati said: “We are thrilled to partner with the National Head Start Association to expand the Crayon Collection’s reach to our nation’s youngest early learners while helping the environment. No child should have to attend school without the most basic of supplies.”

March 31 is National Crayon Day. Learn more and donate crayons: CrayonCollection.org