Growing up, Avery Y. '26, always gravitated toward creative work. In her elementary school days in San Mateo, art was a regular and meaningful part of her life. Much of that experience came through Art in Action (AIA), an organization that provides art curriculum and supplies to public schools across the Peninsula.

Years later, during her sophomore year at LWHS, Avery was researching potential projects for her Public Purpose Program (PPP) hours when she recognized a familiar name: Art in Action. Remembering how impactful those art classes had been, she signed up to volunteer. She began visiting AIA's warehouse and helping pack boxes filled with art supplies destined for Peninsula classrooms. Seeing shelves stacked with paints, brushes, and materials was exciting—and inspiring. For months, she volunteered alone, giving back to the organization that had once ignited her passion for art. 

But she wanted to do more. Eventually, Avery asked Mr. Lau, Director of LWHS' Public Purpose Program, if other students could join her. Her solo effort evolved into a PPP Day project, bringing more LWHS students into the warehouse and expanding the impact. Over the course of two years, from sophomore to junior year, Avery's efforts helped to support 630 classrooms and over 15,000 students through volunteer work, community art shows, and fundraisers.

As the project grew, Avery wanted to expand access even further—this time into San Francisco. She partnered with homeless shelters to create small, individual art kits for unhoused children. She fundraised extensively through friends and family and relied on AIA’s access to affordable supplies. The kits were designed to be simple, compact, and easy to distribute—perfect for families with limited space. Many were donated to Hamilton Families in the Mission, often for children's birthday parties. Avery has now distributed art kits to 650 children from unhoused families in San Francisco.

The work has been enormously gratifying for Avery. She has received emails from families expressing how meaningful the kits have been, describing how art has brought joy, calm, and creativity into difficult circumstances. Avery deeply values art not only as a form of expression, but also as a source of well-being—something she herself has experienced and wanted to share. Looking ahead, she is working with her parents to establish a sustainable fundraising strategy, with AIA purchasing supplies, her mom supporting logistics, and Mr. Lau continuing to involve current students. What began as a required community service commitment has grown into something far more meaningful. Today, the project reflects Avery's values, strengthens her connection to her community, and affirms the power of art to uplift lives.