The Crayon Initiative

The Crayon Initiative is a nonprofit in Danville, California, that gives free recycled crayons to children in hospitals. Crayons are sent to over 240 children's hospitals across the United States, and the program keeps used crayons out of landfills. Young patients use them to draw and make art during long stays and before procedures.

People can help by donating crayons, collecting them, volunteering their time, adopting a hospital, or giving money. A $1.46 donation is listed as enough to give one child a pack of crayons. Groups that want to run a collection can request free collection boxes, signs and flyers, and the online store sells gear with all proceeds going to the organization.