CONTACT

Anaisa Acharya

Jack Considine

Colors4Change

312-202-2833 (cell)

630-818-6218 (office)

2620 Charlestowne Lane

colors4change@gmail.com

colors4change.org

Colors4Change

    December 2019

Color4Change is a local nonprofit organization led by teenagers in Naperville. Their mission is to collect gently used art supplies for underserved facilities such as schools, hospitals, orphanages, etc. This organization focuses its efforts on helping the community but also protecting the environment by preventing non-biodegradable art supplies from entering landfills. Colors4Change accepts crayons, colored pencils, markers, and monetary donations as well.

Naperville, Illinois, December 31st— Every child can remember a time when they were able to let their imaginations run wild a piece of paper with multitudes of crayons, colored pencils, and markers. Yet, children locally and abroad miss out on the opportunity to magnify a talent, passion, or just enjoyment for art. Despite the respected efforts of schools to cultivate artistic opportunities, some kids are still left behind. We, five teens from Naperville, are in action to provide children with art supplies (see column on left for full organization description) so that children can express themselves as they choose. Throughout the past six months of 2019 Colors4Change has exceeded our own expectations and goals to create something truly special. So far we have collected 695.5 pounds of supplies that have been distributed to eight different organizations both locally and abroad. Not only have we received the supplies we have needed, but generous individuals and organizations within the community have also pitched in for a total of $1,506.50. What started as a small way to deliver creative accessibility to children has become a community-wide effort filled with eager young people ready to help. Our two largest donations of crayons have both come from schools in Naperville’s 204 district. Neuqua Valley (86 lbs) and Welch Elementary (59 lbs) gladly contributed to our organization. This short half of a year we have been active was also riddled with many events that we are very proud of.

Although Colors4Change’s journey has recently begun, they have successfully created several events this year. Their first-ever fundraiser was held at B. GOOD in Naperville where they were able to collect 52.5 lbs of supplies. Since then the group of teens has held multiple fundraisers and was even a part of a concert at a church in the community. Our most notable being our partnership with Neuqua Valley. The administration was more than helpful in endorsing the week-long fundraiser and setting up a table for donations. We also recently partnered with community access Naperville. They allow opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to the community. We supplied them with crayons to meltdown and Jessica, one of our board members got to go through the process of making new crayons with them.

Our organization’s next step is scaling to create a larger impact. Our core focus is on getting the community involved in our efforts to make a difference. 2020 will be our year to get more of the youth involved in order to amplify the impact we can create. If you are looking to volunteer, visit colors4change.org and contact the organization about your inquiries. Colors4Change is also looking for companies big or small to take part in a donation drive or provide monetary donations. With so much being done in just six months, this next year with a growing team and support the future of Colors4Change is especially bright.

This journey from idea to execution has been accomplished with endless support from numerous groups of people. To start, we would like to thank everyone that came to our first fundraiser. Without any experience or true accomplishments, family and friends came by the dozens without any hesitation. With momentum on our side, we received support left and right from local restaurants and organizations (all listed below) despite our short time of operation. Next, we have a very large thank you to anyone who has contributed a cent, a fraction of a pound, or any time to Colors4Change. Our efforts would be much more difficult without the many individual support we have received. Finally, a special thank you goes to each member of the board including Anaisa’s family in which each person has greatly contributed to the effectiveness of the organization.

Restaurants and Organizations that have supported us: Francesca’s 59, Rosebud Francesca’s (DT), Giordano's (DT), On the Border Pizza Hut (Rt 59), Nandos (DT), Community Access Naperville, Hesed House, Lazarus House, SOS-Villages - Greece, Edward-Elmhurst, Naperville Sun with Suzanne Baker, NCTV17 with Christine Lena, The Echo - Neuqua Valley HS.

If you are looking to get involved with Colors4Change in any way, contact Lead of Management and Marketing, Jack Considine. Let's bring color to children in need. Together we can make a difference in a child's life.

Contact: Jack Considine, Lead of Management and Marketing

312-202-2833 (cell)

630-818-6218 (office)

colors4change@gmail.com