First Library Collaboration: Crafts with Kids - 7/29/2025

Authored by Rien Chen, edited by Elena Chen

As a volunteer organization committed to serving the community through free educational classes for local children, we were invited by Skyline Hills Library to participate in their special summer event and introduce ourselves to the community.

When we arrived, the librarian warmly welcomed us and led us to our table. We set up quickly, as the event was about to begin and a long line of people had already formed outside the activity room! Special thanks to Cielle and Chloe Wong, who designed and printed flyers for distribution. We also brought craft supplies for kids to enjoy. This was our first event in collaboration with the San Diego Public Library, and we were really excited.

Today's library event primarily focused on food distribution. Many attendees were in great need of basic living necessities and relied on community support. While we don’t always have the opportunity to help in this way directly, seeing the children reminded us that this is exactly where our kindness and knowledge can make a difference.

After receiving food, some families stayed to eat on-site. Those with children naturally gravitated toward our table. We invited the kids to sit down and enjoy some craft time while introducing our organization and volunteer-led classes.

As we handed out flyers, many parents expressed interest in classes like chess, singing, art, and coding. They asked when we would begin and were eager to join soon. For the rest of the event, we stayed happily busy helping the children with their crafts.

Today, only three of us were able to attend: Chloe Wong, Elena, and me - so we had our hands full!

Chloe mainly helped with origami. Some kids loved folding cranes, but the boys especially enjoyed making paper airplanes.

The girls were drawn to making necklaces and bracelets with colorful beads, which Elena guided.

I worked with rubber bands to make woven wristbands. It was a bit tricky, so for some of the younger kids, I made one for them myself.

At one point, we were so busy that my mom jumped in to help. She taught three African American boys how to make paper airplanes. Later, she told me that one of the brothers picked up the instructions especially quickly - very smart - and that she genuinely enjoyed teaching them. She said the experience recharged her spirit. That’s exactly how I felt too!

I also noticed a quiet little girl who didn’t make a necklace like the others. Instead, she used the beads to create a star, all on her own. What a bright child! Her creativity reminded us why we do this work - to serve kids like her and bring a spark of hope and beauty to communities that need it most.

Event Attenders: Elena Chen, Rien Chen, Chloe Wong