Kindness often starts with one small act, yet its impact can reach far beyond one moment. A local youth group, Creating a Giving Culture LV, is preparing to launch a citywide effort to support homeless individuals.
Creating a Giving Culture LV: Youth Kindness in Action
Creating a Giving Culture LV, led by local teen Aiyana Castro, is a youth-led nonprofit that encourages students to help others through simple and meaningful acts of kindness.
The organization focuses on outreach for people experiencing homelessness and support for veterans, along with various community care projects shaped by youth leadership.
“Creating a Giving Culture LV was inspired by my love for serving others and my passion for empowering youth,” said Castro. This mission guides students to understand compassion and civic responsibility in a hands-on way while also creating space for teamwork.
“When I first started volunteering, I was often told I was too young to participate or lead projects, and those moments stayed with me,” said Castro. “I never want another young person to feel limited by their age.”
Their first major event, the Community Giving Carnival, arrives in March 2026 and invites students from elementary, middle, and high schools to participate in a large community service experience.
Students will assemble hygiene kits, snack packs, period care kits, pet care packs, and write warm, encouraging cards for people experiencing homelessness.
This event gives young people a chance to learn the value of kindness while working together toward one shared purpose, making it a strong starting point for their expanding mission as we move into the story of the young founder leading this work.
Aiyana Castro: The Heart Behind The Nonprofit
Aiyana Castro is a 17-year-old honor student at Arbor View High School who leads with calm determination and steady compassion. She serves as Student Body Vice President and is also a varsity cheerleader, yet her dedication to others reaches far beyond her school activities.
When Castro was seven years old, she began handing out meals to people experiencing homelessness with her family. After one woman told her, “You made me feel human today,” those words deeply impacted her and have guided her commitment to serving others ever since.
As the founder of the youth group Creating a Giving Culture LV, Aiyana has already completed more than 3,800 service hours supporting people experiencing homelessness, veterans, hospice families, and local outreach efforts.
“The name Creating a Giving Culture LV represents that mission. It is about building a culture where kindness is normal, leadership is shared, and young people are encouraged, not discouraged, to step up and serve their community,” said Castro.
Her leadership has been recognized with the Las Vegas Sun Standout Award, which reflects her character and commitment to service. Castro’s efforts show how young people can strengthen their communities through simple acts of kindness.
Encouraging Other Youths to Join Giving Culture LV
Young people across Las Vegas can help strengthen their community by joining this growing culture of giving. Creating a Giving Culture LV welcomes students who want to lead through kindness and learn through real service experiences. Participation does not require special skills, only a desire to help others through steady and thoughtful action.
The projects are designed to bring students together in ways that feel natural and encouraging as they work toward shared goals. These experiences help young people understand that even small acts can offer comfort and hope to someone going through a difficult time.
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