The power of a wish: 37,000 notes in 37,000 backpacks

Trader Joe’s note-writing event

It was a big idea, and it took a year to pull off, but Crayons to Computers marked its 20th anniversary by brightening the days of 37,000 students in Greater Cincinnati.

The nonprofit wanted to give out more than supplies. It wanted to give hope to kids who need it most. C2C launched a yearlong note-writing campaign called #MyWishForYou as part of its anniversary celebration.

C2C enlisted business leaders, organizations, students and individuals in the Greater Cincinnati area to write notes of encouragement to students. The goal was to fill 37,000 backpacks (bought through a grant from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation) with the notes, which would be distributed through the Teacher Free Store and Mobile Outreach programs.

Thanks to support from the community, C2C filled and distributed all 37,000 backpacks.

In a 2017 poll of teachers who shop at Crayons to Computers, more than 98 percent indicated they would like to see the #MyWishForYou campaign continue.

When asked to describe the impact receiving a card had on students, one teacher wrote, “They were surprised and felt a sense of happiness that someone they don’t know cares about their education.” Another wrote, “They are excited to know what the note says. They want to get home to show their parents. Thank you.”

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