Folding Hope: Transforming Communities with Origami

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Vivian Liu. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Vivian Liu has turned paper cranes into powerful symbols of compassion through her co-founded nonprofit, Origami For Good. What began as a creative outlet has evolved into a global movement that blends artistry, volunteerism and mental health advocacy. By mobilizing volunteers across 180 chapters in over 50 countries, Vivian has reimagined how a simple act—folding a piece of paper—can uplift spirits and bring comfort to those in need.

“My grandmother introduced me to origami when I was young, and it became something that brought me comfort during stressful times,” Vivian reflects. “As I grew older, I wanted to share that same feeling with others, especially those who feel isolated or forgotten.”

At the heart of Origami For Good is its mission to spread joy. The organization has delivered more than 820,000 origami pieces, each accompanied by heartfelt messages, to hospitals, nursing homes and military centers around the world. These small but meaningful gestures offer emotional support and encouragement to patients, seniors and veterans, creating a ripple effect of kindness and connection across communities.

“Mental health often goes unnoticed or unspoken about, especially in vulnerable communities,” Vivian says. “I’ve seen how a simple, thoughtful gesture like receiving a folded paper crane with a kind message can brighten someone’s day and remind them that someone cares.”

Vivian’s leadership extends beyond distribution. She oversees an expansive network of global chapters, coordinates volunteer engagement and manages partnerships with medical facilities, schools and nonprofits. Through these connections, Origami For Good enables people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved—whether through folding paper or organizing donation drives. Under Vivian’s guidance, chapters have also raised over $15,000 to support cancer research and Asian cultural initiatives, blending service with advocacy.

In addition to uplifting others, Origami For Good nurtures leadership among youth. Each chapter operates independently with guidance from Vivian and her core team, encouraging young people to take initiative in their communities. From organizing folding events in schools to hosting mental health awareness sessions, volunteers not only spread kindness but also develop skills in public speaking, event planning and cross-cultural collaboration. This decentralized yet connected structure empowers students to become changemakers in their own right.

“We aim to donate over one million origami pieces, grow our chapter network even further and create more impact through new mental health and cultural education kits,” Vivian says. “We’re also building leadership resources to support the next generation of youth changemakers.”

Origami For Good also integrates sustainability into its model by encouraging the use of recycled paper and environmentally conscious practices. Many chapters collect used materials to fold their origami. This thoughtful approach emphasizes Vivian’s commitment to creating a movement that is not only emotionally impactful but also socially responsible and future-oriented.

The organization’s success has also garnered national attention. Vivian’s work has been featured in the Katy Times, in the Houston Chronicle and on multiple platforms for Katy ISD. Origami For Good has earned recognition from Packages4Patriots and has both received and awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to highlight the impact of youth leadership in civic life. These honors reflect Vivian’s strategic vision and the widespread admiration for the movement she helped launch.

“We’re currently partnering with hospitals, shelters and military centers across new regions,” Vivian says of the organization’s trajectory. “We’re also launching a global origami exchange program between chapters and developing downloadable kits to help students combine service with cultural learning and emotional support.”

Vivian is equally focused on sustainability and outreach. With over 30,000 social media followers, she leverages platforms like Instagram to raise awareness, mobilize youth and promote community engagement. Through creative partnerships with companies like Krispy Kreme and Panda Express, she ensures a steady stream of fundraising support, all while amplifying her message of empathy and empowerment.

“The most rewarding parts of this work are the real human stories,” Vivian shares. “I once heard from a nurse who said our origami helped calm scared children during hospital stays. Another time, a senior wrote us saying our gifts made her feel like someone still remembered her. It’s in those quiet, personal moments that I really understand the power of what we’re doing. That’s what makes the hours of folding and organizing feel more than worth it.”

Through Origami For Good, Vivian has proven that compassion can be both global and personal. Her story exemplifies the power of youth leadership and reminds us that simple acts, multiplied by many, can create lasting change. She encourages, “Everyone has something meaningful to offer. Whether it’s your time, talent or creativity, taking action shows others that kindness is still possible. It starts small but can grow far beyond what you imagine.” From hospital rooms to classrooms and beyond, this sentiment is evident, as Vivian’s origami-based movement continues to fold joy into the fabric of everyday life.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Vivian? Find local volunteer opportunities.