Crayons2Calculators Now Part of DPS Foundation

Durham nonprofit Crayons2Calculators, which serves more than 1,000 local school teachers each year, is now an official program within the Durham Public Schools Foundation.

The combination is expected to help C2C continue its work of providing teachers with a one-stop shop for school supplies. It's been in development since spring 2024 to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted service.

"We quickly saw that bringing Crayons2Calculators into our organization would deepen our collective impact across Durham," said Erika Wilkins, DPS Foundation executive director, in a news release. "We're proud to provide a home for their work, ensuring teachers will continue to have access to C2C's essential resources well into the future."

According to the DPSF, Durham teachers spend $263 on average from their own pockets to get supplies for their students. Each year, C2C distributes more than $100,000 in supplies.

"Since 2018, Crayons2Calculators has helped my students learn by providing crayons, pencils, notebooks, and other essential supplies," said Amanda Bass, a Burton Elementary School ESL teacher with Durham Public Schools. "And just last year, I received a grant from the Foundation for equipment to help ESL students practice speaking and reading skills. Having these organizations come together only makes sense and will benefit teachers even more by offering us a convenient, one-stop shop for needed school supplies, grants, and other resources."

Dr. Anthony Lewis, DPS superintendent, said the district looks forward to continuing its partnership with these organizations "toward our shared vision of a Durham where every child has what they need to thrive."

The supply program won't change its name. It'll continue operating out of the school district's warehouse on Bacon Street. The Foundation also is keeping the C2C employees and volunteers to manage the program.

Said Eunice Sanders, the former C2C executive director who now serves as program manager: "We are so enthusiastic about continuing our work long into the future with DPSF."

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