EASTON, Pa. — They grabbed crayons and coloring pencils.
And washable markers and coloring books.
And activity kits and T-shirts.
Any item they could get their hands on and dump in a collection bin in 64 seconds — the number an homage to Crayola’s classic 64-count crayon box.
They were three lucky elementary school teachers — two from the Allentown School District and one from Salisbury Township — running their legs off at The Crayola Store at the Crayola Experience on Tuesday afternoon.
Not for themselves, but for their students.
“It’s so great that Crayola recognizes the challenges that teachers have in getting the necessary supplies for their students,” said Shannon Stokes, a fourth-grade teacher at Salisbury Elementary School.
“It is huge for us to go into the next school year and not have to worry so much about what we don’t have. Crayola supporting us means so much.”
Kimberly Knipe, a kindergarten teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, and Paul Lapp, an early literacy intervention specialist at Ramos Elementary School, were also chosen from among 2,000 online entries to participate in what Crayola has dubbed “The World’s Most Colorful Shopping Spree — Teacher Edition” during Teacher Appreciation Week.
“It’s so great that Crayola recognizes the challenges that teachers have in getting the necessary supplies for their students."Shannon Stokes, fourth grade teacher, Salisbury Elementary School
“This is such a great program for Crayola to give back to the community,” said Knipe. “They understand what teachers need to help their students. I can’t say enough about how much this will help.
“This will be such a great surprise for my students because they don’t know I’ll have all this for the classroom.”
In addition to the supplies each gathered in just over a minute, each school will receive a “Class Pack” valued at more than $5,000 from Crayola Experience.
“My students are going to really love all these supplies,” said Lapp. “When I applied to the contest, I was hoping to be chosen to help my kids get what they need in the classroom.”
Each of the teachers was rooted on by their own cheering section and school mascot as they raced throughout the Crayola Store scooping up boxes of crayons and markers and anything else they could collect in the allotted time.
“Crayola supports teachers all year, helping them keep their students’ creativity alive,” said Abby Dentner, marketing and sales manager for the Crayola Experience.
“All year, teachers are allowed free entry into the Crayola Experience and receive a 20% discount at the Crayola Store.
“We also encourage students to come in and create crafts to honor their teachers. Crayola is all about supporting our teachers.”
