Liberty County is looking to make a mark in the Guinness World Records Book with a crayon, hopefully the world's largest crayon.
The title would be a boost to Liberty pride, according to Leah Poole, executive director of the Liberty County branch of the United Way of the Coastal Empire.
Poole and members of her committee are rallying for public support.
"It's a positive way of really putting some focus on the community and also putting some focus on recycling too," said Sara Swida, Keep Liberty County Beautiful executive director.
The goal is to collect enough crayons to melt down and shape into a colossal, 1,500-pound crayon, topping Big Blue, the current largest crayon on record built by Crayola in 2003.
Doubling as a recycling and education project, the pursuit for world recognition will largely rely on students, the most common crayon users.
Demeré Sikes, public relations facilitator for the school system, explained recycling is in line with the Georgia Performance Standards and the timing would allow schools to collect a lot of old crayons as an end-of-the-year project.
"We've really been looking for ways, that are fun ways, to interest children in recycling because once it's fun, they'll really do it. And then, of course, when they do it then their families will start doing it," Swida said.
She reported how the "Return the Warmth" plastic recycling contest is stirring up middle and high school students. The crayon collection will go after younger students.
Poole explained the project also has economic benefits to the community. The estimated 130,000 bits of colorful wax needed would be that much less solid waste hauled to the Jesup landfill.
All brands and colors of crayons will be accepted. Poole sees the mix of colors as not only easier, but a true definition of the people who make up the county.
"I don't think it would be reflective if we did just one color because we're so diverse and multicultural," Poole said.
Laura Troutman, from the county human resources office, suggested the newly created color actually be called Liberty because "we're free to be whatever color we want."
"This is just a great educational way to help children understand that recycling really can make a difference," Swida said.
"It shows them that something small can be part of a bigger whole," Poole added.
Daycare centers, restaurants and any group or business that may have old crayons lying around are encouraged to participate.
Collection will run through Oct. 15, so the unveiling may be in time for America Recycles Day on Nov. 18. Crayons can also be sent to the Health Department, the United Way or Keep Liberty County Beautiful office. Donated crayons should have the outer paper removed.
The title would be a boost to Liberty pride, according to Leah Poole, executive director of the Liberty County branch of the United Way of the Coastal Empire.
Poole and members of her committee are rallying for public support.
"It's a positive way of really putting some focus on the community and also putting some focus on recycling too," said Sara Swida, Keep Liberty County Beautiful executive director.
The goal is to collect enough crayons to melt down and shape into a colossal, 1,500-pound crayon, topping Big Blue, the current largest crayon on record built by Crayola in 2003.
Doubling as a recycling and education project, the pursuit for world recognition will largely rely on students, the most common crayon users.
Demeré Sikes, public relations facilitator for the school system, explained recycling is in line with the Georgia Performance Standards and the timing would allow schools to collect a lot of old crayons as an end-of-the-year project.
"We've really been looking for ways, that are fun ways, to interest children in recycling because once it's fun, they'll really do it. And then, of course, when they do it then their families will start doing it," Swida said.
She reported how the "Return the Warmth" plastic recycling contest is stirring up middle and high school students. The crayon collection will go after younger students.
Poole explained the project also has economic benefits to the community. The estimated 130,000 bits of colorful wax needed would be that much less solid waste hauled to the Jesup landfill.
All brands and colors of crayons will be accepted. Poole sees the mix of colors as not only easier, but a true definition of the people who make up the county.
"I don't think it would be reflective if we did just one color because we're so diverse and multicultural," Poole said.
Laura Troutman, from the county human resources office, suggested the newly created color actually be called Liberty because "we're free to be whatever color we want."
"This is just a great educational way to help children understand that recycling really can make a difference," Swida said.
"It shows them that something small can be part of a bigger whole," Poole added.
Daycare centers, restaurants and any group or business that may have old crayons lying around are encouraged to participate.
Collection will run through Oct. 15, so the unveiling may be in time for America Recycles Day on Nov. 18. Crayons can also be sent to the Health Department, the United Way or Keep Liberty County Beautiful office. Donated crayons should have the outer paper removed.