Lily Krut

Turning Creativity into Impact: How Handmade Projects Empower Kids in Shelters

Lily Krut — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:34:32 +0000

By Lily Krut

Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, creativity was always a big part of my life. From making jewelry and sewing at summer camps to experimenting with fashion trends, I’ve always found joy in creating things with my hands. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that creativity isn’t just a fun hobby or a personal outlet—it’s also a powerful way to help others. One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is how handmade projects can empower kids in shelters, giving them a voice, a sense of accomplishment, and a little spark of joy in difficult times.

This belief is at the heart of My Story, a nonprofit my mom, Jennifer, started to bring journals and art supplies to local children’s shelters. I’ve been helping her with this charity for as long as I can remember—collecting donations, organizing supplies, and delivering these small but meaningful gifts to kids who often have very little of their own. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a handmade craft or a blank journal can make a child feel seen, valued, and inspired.

Creativity as a Tool for Expression

Many of the kids we work with at My Story have experienced trauma, instability, or loss. They’ve had to grow up fast, and they often carry emotional burdens that are hard to express with words. That’s why creative projects can be so powerful—they offer a safe, non-verbal way for kids to process their feelings, tell their stories, and simply have fun.

When a child sits down with markers, stickers, or sewing supplies, something shifts. Suddenly, they’re not just “a kid in a shelter.” They’re an artist. They’re a designer. They’re a storyteller. Giving kids the tools to create allows them to take ownership of something positive, something beautiful. And that sense of agency, even in a small project, can be incredibly empowering.

Small Projects, Big Impact

One of the most rewarding parts of working with My Story has been seeing how small handmade projects can have a big emotional impact. For example, we’ve delivered kits that include blank journals, colored pens, and stickers, encouraging kids to write about their experiences, dreams, or anything that comes to mind. We’ve also provided simple craft kits—bracelet-making supplies, small sewing projects, or paint sets.

You might think, “Is this really going to change a child’s life?” And no, one art project won’t erase the challenges these kids face. But what it does is offer a moment of normalcy, a spark of creativity, and a reminder that someone cares. It gives them a chance to relax, express themselves, and feel proud of what they’ve made. In a world where so much feels out of their control, these projects offer a little bit of joy—and that’s no small thing.

Connecting Creativity to Community

My experience helping with My Story has also influenced my summer job as a counselor at Elena Victoria Camps, where I teach kids how to make jewelry and sew. These camps are about more than crafting—they’re about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and helping kids feel capable. The same principles apply when we bring handmade projects to shelters. Whether it’s in a classroom or a shelter, kids thrive when they’re given the chance to create, explore, and feel good about themselves.

What I love most is how creativity builds community. At camp, kids bond over their projects, help each other out, and celebrate each other’s work. In shelters, it’s no different. We’ve seen kids collaborate, share supplies, and cheer each other on. These moments of connection are just as important as the finished product—they remind kids that they’re not alone and that they can be part of something positive.

Empowering Through Giving

Helping kids feel empowered through handmade projects has also taught me a lot about the power of giving. Donating items is great, but taking the time to create or organize something personal—like an art kit or a journal pack—adds another layer of care. It shows that you’re not just checking a box, but truly thinking about what might bring joy and comfort to someone else.

That’s why my family continues to adopt families during the holidays, providing not just gifts but also personalized items that bring warmth and dignity. It’s also why I continue to volunteer with organizations like Chabad, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Care House of Oakland County—because I’ve seen how small, thoughtful actions can make a real difference.

A Vision for the Future

As a student at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, I often think about how I can bring these experiences into my future career. I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up, but I know I want to be part of something that combines creativity, compassion, and impact. Whether that means starting a socially responsible business, working in nonprofit management, or continuing to expand My Story, I want to keep finding ways to turn creativity into meaningful action.

Creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s for everyone. It’s a tool that can heal, connect, and empower, especially when shared with those who need it most.

Final Thoughts

Helping kids in shelters through handmade projects has taught me that you don’t need a lot of resources to make a difference—just heart, creativity, and a willingness to show up. Whether it’s organizing a craft drive, donating art supplies, or volunteering your time, there are so many ways to bring joy and empowerment to children who need it.

So, if you’re looking for a way to give back, start small. Make something. Share it. Inspire someone else to do the same. Because at the end of the day, creativity isn’t just about what you make but about the impact you leave behind.

The post Turning Creativity into Impact: How Handmade Projects Empower Kids in Shelters appeared first on Lily Krut.

From Camp Counselor to Career: What Summer Jobs Teach You About Leadership and Empathy

Lily Krut — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:18:00 +0000

By Lily Krut

Summer jobs might not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things. After all, they’re often temporary, seasonal, and sometimes involve tasks that aren’t exactly glamorous. But my experience as a summer camp counselor has completely changed how I view work, leadership, and even myself. What started as just a fun way to spend my summer has actually shaped how I approach challenges, connect with people, and think about my future career.

For the past few summers, I’ve worked at Elena Victoria Camps in Birmingham, Michigan, helping kids learn jewelry-making and sewing. These creative day camps aren’t just about arts and crafts—they’re about building confidence, teaching patience, and giving kids a space to express themselves. As someone who’s always loved fashion, art, and working with children, it seemed like the perfect fit. What I didn’t expect was just how much I’d learn from the experience—and how those lessons would stay with me long after the camp season ended.

Learning to Lead by Example

One of the first things I discovered as a counselor is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most authoritative person in the room. It’s about setting a tone—through your actions, your attitude, and your ability to stay calm even when things get chaotic. When you’re responsible for a group of kids, there’s no time to panic. Whether someone’s having a meltdown over tangled string or a project isn’t turning out the way they imagined, your job is to be steady, encouraging, and solution-focused.

This taught me a lot about leading by example. If I stay positive, the kids tend to stay positive. If I show patience, they learn patience. If I make a mistake and handle it with grace, they learn that mistakes are okay. That kind of leadership—quiet, consistent, and compassionate—is something I’ve started bringing into other areas of my life, including my studies at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. Whether it’s a group project or a club meeting, I’ve realized that how you show up matters just as much as what you say.

Developing Real Empathy

Empathy isn’t just about being nice—it’s about truly understanding and caring about what someone else is experiencing. Working with young kids, you get a crash course in empathy every single day. Some kids come into camp feeling shy, anxious, or unsure of themselves. Others are bursting with energy and need help channeling it productively. Every child is different, and being a good counselor means tuning into those differences and adjusting your approach to meet them where they are.

Over time, I learned to read the room, notice when a camper needed extra support, and find small ways to help them feel comfortable and confident. That could mean sitting beside them during a tricky project, cheering them on when they succeeded, or just listening when they needed to talk. These small moments built real trust and connection, and reminded me that empathy isn’t just a “soft skill.” It’s the foundation of strong relationships, whether at camp, in school, or eventually in the workplace.

Time Management and Responsibility

Camp days are busy. From setting up supplies in the morning to cleaning up in the afternoon, there’s always something to do—and usually not enough time to do it all. Add in managing a group of kids, adapting to unexpected changes, and keeping everything running smoothly, and you’ve got a real crash course in time management.

Learning to prioritize, stay organized, and manage my time efficiently at camp has made me better at handling my responsibilities as a student. Juggling classes, volunteer work, and my current internship with Campus Ink in Chicago takes planning and focus—and I credit camp with helping me develop those skills in a fun, hands-on way. Plus, when things go wrong (because they always do at some point), I’ve learned to stay flexible, think on my feet, and not let stress take over.

Building Confidence and Communication

One of the biggest takeaways from my summer job is confidence—both in myself and in my ability to communicate with others. Before I became a counselor, I was a little unsure about taking charge or speaking up in front of a group. But when you’re leading a craft lesson or explaining instructions to a room full of excited kids, you have to find your voice.

Over time, I got more comfortable speaking clearly, answering questions, and handling unexpected situations with confidence. These are skills that transfer directly to business school, job interviews, presentations, and professional life. Knowing that I can lead a group, solve problems, and connect with people of all ages has given me a level of confidence I didn’t have before camp—and that’s something I’ll carry with me into whatever career path I choose.

Purpose Beyond the Paycheck

Yes, summer jobs are about earning money, gaining experience, and building your resume—but they can also be about purpose. For me, working at camp isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to make a difference, even in small ways. Helping a child discover a new talent, build confidence, or simply have a fun and safe summer means something. It reminds me that work can—and should—have meaning.

As I continue through business school and explore different career options, I want to carry that sense of purpose with me. I don’t just want a job that pays well or looks good on paper. I want a career that allows me to lead with empathy, stay grounded in service, and make a positive impact on others—just like I’ve done every summer at camp.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever thought of summer jobs as “just a way to pass time,” think again. They’re opportunities to grow, learn, and discover who you are—and who you want to be. From leadership to empathy, time management to confidence, the lessons I’ve learned as a camp counselor are already shaping my journey, both personally and professionally.

So, whether you’re working in retail, food service, or a summer camp like me, know that every experience is a stepping stone. You’re not just working, you’re building a future. One summer at a time.

The post From Camp Counselor to Career: What Summer Jobs Teach You About Leadership and Empathy appeared first on Lily Krut.