What is The Crayon Initiative?
The Crayon Initiative started one evening when Bryan Ware and his family went out for dinner. While his boys were busy coloring on the menu, Bryan found himself wondering… where do all those restaurant crayons end up once everyone leaves? The answer? The landfill—a big waxy mess that never really breaks down. So, Bryan thought, why not turn those old crayons into something that spreads joy instead? He took the crayons home and got to work—figuring out how to collect and sort used crayons, melt them down, and remanufacture them into bright, clean, paper-free crayons that kids would love.
The Main Benefit: Bringing Joy and Comfort to Kids
The Crayon Initiative isn’t just about recycling crayons. It’s about giving kids in hospitals a chance to play, create, and feel a little happier during tough times. Here’s the scoop:
- Free crayons are sent to over 240 children’s hospitals across the United States.
- A donation of just $1.46 provides one child in the hospital with a free pack of recycled crayons.
- Crayons are designed to be large and three-sided—easy to grip and won’t roll off hospital trays.
- Art therapy with these crayons helps reduce heart rates, improve cognition, release endorphins, and ease stress.
- Most kids take their crayons home as the happiest part of their hospital stay.
Unique Design for a Special Purpose
Consulting with an occupational therapist, Bryan made sure these crayons weren’t just any crayons. They’re large and three-sided, not round, which means they’re easier for kids to hold—especially little hands or those with limited dexterity. Plus, their shape keeps them from rolling off hospital trays, which is a small but important detail when kids are in a hospital bed. This thoughtful design shows how much care went into making crayons that truly fit the needs of children in hospitals.
How the Crayons Are Made
It’s not just about collecting old crayons and handing them out. Bryan and his team have mastered the art of sorting, melting, and remanufacturing crayons into a fresh, clean product. The crayons come out bright and colorful, without any paper wrappers, making them safe and easy to use in a hospital setting. This process not only keeps tons of crayons out of landfills but also gives them a second life—turning what was once waste into something meaningful and fun.
Why Creative Play Matters in Hospitals
Kids in hospitals are just like kids anywhere—they want to be happy, to play, to express themselves. The Crayon Initiative understands this deeply. Creative play isn’t just fun; it’s healing. Studies show that art therapy can lower heart rates, boost brain function, release feel-good endorphins, and reduce stress. For children facing the stress of hospitalization, having crayons to draw and color with can be a powerful way to find comfort and joy during a difficult time.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Supporting children’s mental and emotional health through art therapy.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Recycling and repurposing crayons to reduce waste.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Preventing crayons from ending up in landfills, reducing environmental impact.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with hospitals and donors nationwide to reach children in need.
The Heart Behind the Initiative
At its core, The Crayon Initiative is about more than crayons—it’s about hope, creativity, and kindness. Bryan Ware’s simple question one night sparked a movement that brings smiles to thousands of kids facing tough hospital stays. It’s a reminder that even small ideas, like recycling crayons, can make a big difference in the world. And for those kids, a pack of crayons isn’t just a toy—it’s a little spark of happiness when they need it most.
