Vivian Liu, a 15-year-old sophomore at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, is folding paper to help unfold change around the world.

Liu is the co-founder of Origami For Good, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by young changemakers. “Our mission is to spread hope and kindness by folding origami with inspirational messages, which we send to military centers, hospitals, and children’s facilities around the world,” said Liu in an email to the Katy Times. “I reside in Katy, Texas, just outside of Houston, and being part of this community has shaped my passion for making a positive impact both locally and globally.”

She co-founded Origami For Good with her friend, Thyra Fondora, after exchanging origami creations through the mail. “Seeing how much joy it brought us, we wanted to spread that happiness to others—especially in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s centers,” said Liu. “Our mission is to use origami to uplift people, especially those in difficult situations.” Origami for Good has chosen military centers, hospitals, and children’s facilities as recipients of their creations. “We chose these facilities because they are home to people facing challenges—whether it's recovering from illness, dealing with isolation, or serving our country,” said Liu. “We wanted our creations to offer them a moment of happiness and connection.”

Each piece is accompanied by a positive message. “Our messages are simple yet thoughtful —phrases like ‘You are loved,’ ‘Stay strong,’ or ‘This too shall pass.’ We want recipients to feel seen and supported, no matter what they are going through,” Liu said.

Locally, the group has collaborated with Texas Children’s Hospital and nursing homes in the area, spreading awareness through community events. “We are also exploring partnerships with schools to involve more students in our mission,” Liu said.

“We’ve received heartwarming responses, with recipients expressing gratitude and sharing how the origami brightened their day,” Liu said. “Some even said they kept the pieces as keepsakes, which makes our effort feel even more meaningful.” Partner organizations have appreciated the initiative, telling Lui how the origami helps patients feel uplifted and that “the small act of receiving a handmade piece makes a big impact on mental well-being.”

“Since our launch, we’ve built a global network of over 3,000 volunteers from 14 countries, including Japan, Ethiopia, and the UAE, working together to make a positive impact,” said Liu. “Through social media, we’ve reached over 4 million people, 22,000+ followers, and with 65+ chapters worldwide, we continue to inspire others to join our movement.”

“Our volunteers have made over 20,000 origami pieces to date, sending them to more than 25 facilities worldwide,” she continued. “On average, we create thousands of pieces annually, with local chapters contributing to both local and global outreach.”

Liu became interested in origami when she was in kindergarten, after her grandmother introduced her to the craft. “It fascinated me how a single piece of paper could be transformed into something beautiful. Over the years, I realized that these small creations could also brighten someone’s day, inspiring me to pursue it further.”

But it took years to master the craft, Liu said. “Mastering origami is a journey, not a destination! It took me a few years to become comfortable with more complex folds, and I’m still learning. I enjoy challenging myself with intricate designs, and each new fold teaches me something new.”

Some of her favorite pieces include modular origami structures, like a dodecahedron, and tiny paper cranes folded from 1 cm squares. “We’ve also crafted paper flowers and animals that are symbolic to certain cultures, adding a personal touch to our gifts,” she said.

In modern usage, the word "origami" is often used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin, according to Wikipedia. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques; in modern origami, the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper is discouraged. The best-known origami model is the Japanese paper crane.

Liu has lived in the Katy area for most of her life and enjoys engaging with the community through various school activities and volunteering efforts.

“Even small acts of kindness can make a difference. Whether it’s folding a simple crane or encouraging a friend to get involved, every effort counts,” she said. “We hope our work inspires others to bring joy into their communities.”

To learn more, visit the group’s Instagram page at @origami.forgood.