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.