Hopkinton High School junior Aishwarya Vijay created and donated boxes of art kits to Project Just Because.

Cherylann Walsh, president and founder of the nonprofit Project Just Because, describes Hopkinton High School junior Aishwarya Vijay as “a shining star,” and “just a book of ideas.”

Vijay, a volunteer at PJB since the eighth grade, recently saw her idea come to life when she delivered 35 boxes of art kits she created to the organization.

The student calls her campaign “Palette,” explaining that the goal of the art kits is to spark creativity and provide artistic resources to children who may not otherwise have access to these materials.

She was exposed to the needs in the community while volunteering at PJB — doing everything from working in the stockroom, folding and hanging clothes and stocking shelves at the food pantry.

Interacting with the families who rely on the food pantry for groceries opened her eyes to the financial challenges some people face.

“I have the privilege of living in Hopkinton and going to an amazing high school,” Vijay said. “I really want to help people in need who are not as privileged.”

The student focused on the young children — realizing they did not have toys or art supplies. Vijay, who enjoys painting and drawing in her free time, decided to do something to foster their creativity.

She approached Walsh with the idea of creating art kits. Walsh was more than happy to encourage her.

“Aishwarya is the type of person who walks the walk. She is incredibly kind and very creative and artistic. She’s finding her niche in this world and with a work ethic of kindness, is helping her community,” Walsh noted.

Vijay explained that her boxes are designed to be “fun, accessible and educational and have a positive impact.”

She obtained a sponsorship from Corrugated Packaging Inc. of Fitchburg, a business that donated the boxes.

The kits are applicable for all ages of youth, Vijay said, pinpointing ages 3-9. The boxes contain markers, stickers, color pencils, erasers, animal-themed items to color and more.

Vijay’s intention is to make monthly deliveries of 35 boxes with different themes such as for the holidays.

“My goal is to get to 1,000 [art boxes] by the time I graduate from Hopkinton High,” she said.

While she has made the kits herself, Vijay is trying to recruit other HHS students from the PJB Club, Community Service Club, Honor Society, Art Honor Society and whoever else shows an interest.

She recognizes it is a massive undertaking and would like to encourage her peers to get involved as well as the community at large.

Donations of art supplies (markers, erasers, etc.) are accepted at the middle and high schools, library and Town Hall. Individuals or businesses who would like to donate monetary gifts can contact Vijay at Aishwarya.r.vijay@gmail.com.

She is looking forward to wrapping up the boxes as Christmas presents and using her marketing skills to get the word out for more support.

At HHS, Vijay is a member of the Mock Trial Team, HOSA Medical Club and PJB Club. Vijay also does martial arts after school, plays the piano and is a coding coach on weekends.

And of course, art plays a large role in her life. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society and has served as the marketing director/liaison for some of her clubs.

“Art is my unwinding activity,” she said. “I find it is relaxing.”

Walsh began PJB 27 years ago in her basement, and the organization became a certified nonprofit in 2004.

The founder said that it is typical for high school students like Vijay to volunteer their time and give back to the community.

“I’m very proud of Aishwarya for what she has accomplished,” Walsh said.

The PJB president said she put the art boxes in a basket located in the country store and has seen the reaction of children receiving them so far.

“There has been a very positive response … a lot of happiness and appreciation,” Walsh said. “Families are coming in to the food pantry and then getting sneakers and winter coats. When they go to the country store, the [children] are excited about the art kits. They look and say, ‘I can really have this?’ ” Walsh relayed.

She added the box is blank on the outside and tells the children to decorate it.

“It reminds me of when there used to be prizes inside a box of Cracker Jacks.”

Whether getting involved with the food pantry and programs for winter coats, cancer care, back-to-school backpacks, mothers of newborns or something else, Walsh is gratified by the reach of the charity.

“It is amazing how many people in our town are stepping up to help make a difference,” she said.

Vijay has spoken to Walsh about her desire to someday expand into a nonprofit organization.

“I hope to work on it as a job after college and make it part of my everyday life,” Vijay said.

“I have no doubt she will be at a nonprofit in the future,” Walsh said. “Youth are paving the way. I love seeing young adults bring an idea to fruition.”

Vijay’s creations are “made with heart and hard work,” Walsh added.