In the last several years, as emphasis on standardized testing scores has increased and school budgets have undergone cutbacks, education programs like art and music have notably declined. Art and art therapy is particularly hard to find in schools in less privileged areas that serve students who may uniquely benefit from this type of education.

A substantial increase in arts educational experiences impacts students’ outcomes academically, socially, and emotionally. Comparative to schools without arts education, students in schools with art programs experienced a 3.6% reduction in disciplinary infractions, 13% improvement in standardized writing scores, and showed an increase in interest in how other people feel and their desire to help people who are treated badly. In the same study, when evaluating elementary schools alone, students at schools with arts programs were more likely to agree that school work is enjoyable, makes them think about things in new ways, and that their school offers programs, classes, and activities that keep them interested in school.

Dreaming Zebra Foundation is a non-profit promoting equal opportunity among children and young adults to receive arts education and art therapy. Dreaming Zebra draws inspiration from the unique, fingerprint-like quality of each zebra’s stripes, and the Foundation’s mission to encourage children to embrace their individuality, to express themselves creatively, and to follow their artistic dreams. Dreaming Zebra’s core value is the belief that all children, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have access to art education.

Dreaming Zebra’s art recycling program matches the art supply donations they receive with institutions that request those types of materials. They work with schools and community centers, at risk and homeless youth, mentoring groups, art therapy and special education programs, and other nonprofit organizations in need, with an emphasis on diverse populations of vulnerable youth in under-served communities.

This month, rummage through your drawers and cabinets and bring us your donations of art supplies! Think creatively - simple items like buttons, old calendars, and paper plates can be used in art projects to help kids explore their creativity! Dreaming Zebra’s most requested items are on the list below.

To donate to Dreaming Zebra Foundation directly, or to learn more, click the button below.