Local families gathered at the ALAS Cultural Wellness Center for a free community evening combining STEAM education, creative art activities, and essential health services. The event was organized by Krafty Kids a youth-founded nonprofit established by Bay Area high school student Maya Panchal in partnership with Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS), volunteer medical professionals, and the Los Altos High School Robotics Team. Dr. Kelly Delaney, education program director at ALAS, praised Panchal’s dedication to making high-quality learning accessible to underserved Coastside families.
Engaging Activities and Robotics Demonstration:
Throughout the evening, children participated in a variety of hands-on creative projects, including designing custom tote bags, crafting origami pinwheels, and visiting a hair tinsel station. Families also contributed their hand-traced artwork to a collaborative ALAS Community Tree. Additionally, the Los Altos High School Robotics Team hosted a live interactive robot demonstration, introducing young students to foundational engineering and technology concepts.
Health Services and Future Expansion Goals:
Alongside educational and artistic activities, volunteer physicians and nurses offered preventive health services, such as blood pressure screenings and nutrition guidance. Panchal, who has previously conducted art workshops for children experiencing trauma at local homeless shelters like LifeMoves in Mountain View, emphasized that art serves as a vital tool for emotional expression and connection. Following the success of this gathering, Krafty Kids plans to expand its partnerships across the Bay Area to bring similar educational and wellness programs to other communities.
