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Wellness for Good

August 20.2025

2 Minutes Read

How Transforming Trash into Art Sparks Joy for Communities

Creative youth transforming trash into art with a decorated box.

From Trash to Treasure: The Artistic Journey

From a young age, I’ve always known the value of art. Painting allowed me to create entire worlds, a refuge from the chaos of life. But one day in class, I noticed a simple act that sparked a profound realization: a dried-out marker was discarded into the trash — a tool of creativity destined for a landfill. It struck me: what if these markers could help someone else find the joy I discovered through art?

Founding Restoring Rainbows: A Movement of Change

This simple thought ignited a fire within me to co-found Restoring Rainbows, an international youth-led nonprofit. Our mission? To rescue materials from the garbage and transform them into art supplies, spreading the joy of creativity far and wide. Over just one year, I am proud to say we’ve donated over 15,000 school supplies, impacting children across 200 cities in 42 countries.

Empowering Youth: A Community of Change Makers

Leading Restoring Rainbows has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Working alongside over 1,000 volunteers who share a vision of closing the educational and art gap has shown me the impact we can have when we come together. These are regular individuals, not superheroes, but people who believe in actionable change.

Beyond Art: Addressing Important Causes

Yet my compassion for community service doesn’t end there. In high school, I discovered a lack of awareness about diabetes in my community, and I could not stay inactive. Partnering with a friend, we organized our school’s first charity color run, raising over $2,200 for the American Diabetes Association. This taught me that taking action, no matter how small, leads to positive change.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Everywhere I turn, I’m reminded that kindness has a unique way of multiplying. When you step up to lend a hand, you can expect others to rally alongside you. It’s like a warm wave that washes over, encouraging more people to get involved. The support I’ve received through both Restoring Rainbows and the color run demonstrates just how many people are eager to make a difference.

Your Action Matters: Start Your Journey Today

So if you’ve got an idea, a passion, or a cause you care about, don't wait! Take that first step—no matter how small it might seem. You’ll be astonished at how many kindred spirits will stand beside you.

Wellness for Good

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