Staff Report
A Solvang Elementary School student is raising funds to donate multicultural crayons and books to local schools, and is starting with her own school. Madison Wilson, wished there were crayons that represented all colors of skin so children could accurately draw themselves in school.
Madison Wilson
Photo contributed
Madison learned that Crayola will be releasing a 24-pack of multicultural crayons in July called Colors of the World. Immediately Madison asked her mom Vashti Wilson if they could raise money to donate these crayons to her school. However, she didn’t want to stop at crayons.
By purchasing books from local book stores, Madison plans to donate multicultural books to her school as well. She has currently raised $2,790 of her $3,000 goal before her deadline of June 30. Once her initial goal is achieved, Madison hopes to continue to raise funds for other Santa Ynez Valley schools. Her fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe by visiting bit.ly/madisonsfundraiser.
An avid reader, one of Madison’s favorite books is The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan.
“It’s really funny!” she said. “My goal is to donate 500 books with all sorts of main characters.”
Thanks to a flood of donations during the weekend of Juneteenth ( June 19), Madison was able to raise $2,620 in just three days. With less than $400 to go until she reaches her goal, Madison feels confident she will be able to donate to additional local schools.
Madison’s mom explains what it was like growing up without a lot of representation of African Americans in her school books.
“My favorite books growing up had blue-eyed, blonde girls in it and I had a difficult time finding many books that represented people that look like me. I want my daughter and other children of color to grow up with characters and role models that inspire them to reach their goals.”
Wilson is glad her daughter is already making that a reality in the Santa Ynez Valley.
