Crayons and Beyond (“Crayons”), formerly Crayons to Computers, has served the Greater Cincinnati area since 1997. In the early days of the organization, basic school supplies and donated computers were made available to teacher shoppers. However, only a couple years into the program, computers were more common in school and technology was changing more and more quickly—so computers were no longer offered for teachers (only peripheral items like mice, keyboards and speakers). Since that time, many visitors and others learning about Crayons have asked the question, “What do you do with computers?”
With the 2022 addition of the Hubbard’s Cupboard program (which offers food and hygiene items in addition to school supplies), the advent of online ordering for pick up and online ordering for delivery to teachers at their school, new partnerships, Teachers’ Lounge workshops, and Crayons’ broader product offerings, it was clear the organization needed an updated name.
A task force determined that it made sense to build on the strong foundation, history, and brand equity of the organization’s identity. Crayons and Beyond was ultimately chosen because it is future-focused and embodies the notion that the organization is broader in scope than when it started, is more than just crayons, more than just school supplies, more than just the store.
Finally, the addition of the tagline “Confidence for the classroom” demonstrates the ultimate goal of the mission—confidence for both teachers AND students that they have the tools to succeed in school.
Crayons and Beyond is thrilled to announce it has launched a $6.1 million comprehensive campaign to double the number of students and teachers served by the 2030-2031 school year.
The campaign, focused on “Leveling the Education Playing Field,” aims to expand programs, renovate facilities to support growth, and increase teacher accessibility. Having already secured 76% of its $6.1 million goal during the quiet phase of the campaign, Crayons is well on its way to achieving its goal!
Ceremonial ribbon cutting by members of the Campaign Steering Committee marking the reopening of the newly renovated Teacher Resource Center. (L to R): Tom Boggs, Colleen Haas, Kelly Janszen, Karen Williams, Sam Hubbard, Bill Harrod, Emily Carroll, Lori Merz, Amy Cheney, and Betsy Wilson.
“Renovation of spaces in both Crayons’ original building at 1350 Tennessee Avenue as well as the recently acquired building at 1365 Tennessee allow two of Crayons’ newer distribution channels (Hubbard’s Cupboard and online ordering for delivery) to grow toward the ambitious 2030-31 goals. Further, the public-facing spaces at 1350 were refreshed after more than 20 years of wear and tear and now welcome and dignify the teachers and volunteers who choose to spend their time here,” said President and CEO Amy Cheney.
The campaign entered its public phase alongside Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Campaign Steering Committee members — led by Honorary Campaign Chair Sam Hubbard, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals — for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating both the campaign launch and the reopening of newly renovated spaces.
Hubbard has served as a partner to Crayons since joining forces in 2022 through the Sam Hubbard Foundation to create Hubbard’s Cupboards, storerooms located inside of schools that provide immediate access to school supplies, personal hygiene products and healthy snacks.
We will be turning to our broad community of supporters in the coming days/weeks to help us cross the finish line! Every gift will help us to get there and will make a difference in the lives of teachers and students.
MORE TO COME. STAY TUNED!
Store Hours
TUE – THU • 2:30PM – 6:30PM
2nd & 4th Saturdays • 9AM – 1PM