By Kyah Corff
Star Intern
Young children and parents expressed their creative sides by building things out of reused cardboard on March 17, despite a week’s delay.
Sponsored by the Solvang Library and the National Charity League, the event was rescheduled from March 10 and moved from the Solvang Library to the Solvang Elementary School due to rain.
The previous Cardboard Challenge was organized by the Solvang Library in August last year. The fun, family-friendly event caught the eye of the local chapter of the National Charity League and its class of 2023.
The National Charity League is a mother-daughter organization that volunteers in local communities. Their mission statement says their goal is “to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.”
The seventh-grade girls of the NCL class of 2023 enthusiastically voted to organize another Cardboard Challenge in partnership with their philanthropy, the Solvang Library. These girls took on leadership roles in a free and creative event that promoted reusing and recycling cardboard.
“The NCL teaches girls to take on leadership roles and allows mothers to really empower their girls,” said Deb Robles, the vice president of membership for the SYV chapter of the NCL.
Gabie Robles, a part of the class of 2023, said she voted to sponsor the event because she loved working with kids and creating.
“I’ve learned how to be a better person and how to benefit the community,” added Sofia Lawrence, also a member of the class of 2023.
The event was small but everyone enjoyed their time. Kids were building cardboard race car ramps and adults were building massive castles.
The Cardboard Challenge “gives us time out of the house and a way to be creative together,” said Katherine Lamay, who was working with her 2-year-old daughter Jamie to build a cardboard cat and flowers.
“There is such joy in creation with such simple materials,” said Carrey McKinnon, head of the Solvang Library staff.
Kyah Corff is a junior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and an intern with the Santa Ynez Valley Star.
