Cook Kid uses artistic gift to help Japan quake victims

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- Thien Le wanted to do something to help the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. So he used the traditional Japanese art of origami for his project, A Thousand Cranes for Hope.

"If I name it A Thousand Cranes for Hope and if I ask people for donations, I can give them a crane back. And then it would help them, sort of, make them feel involved because they would receive a crane," said Thien.

He dedicated his senior year to creating 1,000 paper cranes, with the hope he could raise money that would go towards real help to those in need.

"They supply a family in Japan with food and supplies that will last them awhile," said Thien.

This young artist has the unique qualities to achieve his ambitious goal.

"He's got such a big heart and he is hard working and he's very humble. He would never tell you any of these things about himself," said his art and animation teacher Robin Riggle.

At the Art Walk in downtown Riverside, Thien created his last few cranes. He hopes his work will inspire others.

"I really like to help people because I feel that if you can help them, and you can touch them in some emotional way, you can probably get them to do the same or help others and it would end up making a better world for everyone," said Thien.

It's a remarkable feat accomplished by a remarkable Cool Kid, Thien Le.

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community activity, volunteerism, cool kids, danny romero

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