Welcome to the CREATE Project

CREATE (Crayons Reaching Every Adolescent To Empower) is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Lake Orion, Michigan, dedicated to supporting both the environment and community! Every day, thousands of crayons are discarded, without people realizing they eventually end up in landfills, which hurts our environment. To address this issue, we gather used crayon donations from restaurants and repurpose them to schools, hospitals, therapeutic programs, daycares, churches, shelters, libraries, special needs organizations, inpatient mental health facilities, and anyone else who may need them. We aim to help both our environment and community, one crayon at a time!!

5+

states reached

15,000+

crayons donated

200+ lbs

waste diverted

How You Can Make A Difference

Do you have any unwanted or used crayons? Don't toss them in the trash; donate them to CREATE to give your crayons a second life! By taking a few moments to donate to us, you're not only helping the environment, but you could also change the lives of children, adults, and communities in need. Every crayon counts, and we really appreciate your effort and time—it makes a big impact! If you have any questions, please click on the "Contact Us" button to reach out to us. This form will help you ask about the donation process and help you set up your donation. There are two easy ways you can donate:

Drop Off

The Orion Township Public Library is our designated location where you can drop off your unwanted or used crayons. You can place your items in the crayon donation box located at the building's front entrance.

The address is as follows:

Orion Township Public Library, 825 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48362

Arrange a Pick-Up

If you're located within our local area, we can arrange a convenient pick-up. Please contact us by filling out the donation form to request a pick-up. We're here to assist you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the crayons after I donate them?

Donated crayons are sorted and distributed to a variety of places. Some crayons find their way to local libraries, where they host art and craft activities. Others are given community organizations, including nearby churches. Additionally, crayons are donated to special needs organizations, where they are repurposed into beautiful handmade items such as candles, scented crayons, scented fire starters, and more!

Why is repurposing crayons important?

Every year, millions of crayons are thrown away and end up in landfills. The crayons take hundreds of years to decompose, which harms the environment. By repurposing crayons, we not only protect our planet but also provide crayons to those who may not have access to them.

Besides donating crayons, is there any other way I can support CREATE?

Yes! There are several ways you can support CREATE besides donating your unwanted crayons. 

  1. Spread the word of CREATE! You can share our mission to family and friends. You can also distribute our flyers to help reach out to more people. 
  2. Share your story! If you have donated or benefited from CREATE, share your story with your friends and family to encourage them to get involved with our program.
  3. Advocate for sustainability! If you know someone who will throw away crayons, educate them about the importance of crayon waste and repurposing them. 

Does CREATE only accept crayon donations?

At this moment, we are primarily focusing on crayons. However, if you are interested in donating other art supplies, please contact us so we can discuss at alisha.k.create@gmail.com or fill out our donation form, where you can ask us questions.

Socials

Where Can I donate?

You can donate crayons by dropping them off at our designated collection location or by requesting a pickup (if you're in our local area).

Please visit the link below to ask your questions and to schedule your donation.