ATLANTA -- "They're fun to make," said William House.
The 7-year-old has turned his favorite past-time into a way to give back.
"I was making paper airplanes and then I wanted to do origami," he said.
William's fascination eventually led to him to origami, and making paper cranes.
"And then we thought you know what, he makes so many of them we could actually sell them for a dollar and raise money for a good cause," his mother Debbie said.
His family got in on the act too, helping William fold these colorful cranes for $1 each, donating all of the proceeds to the American Red Cross's relief efforts in Japan.
Not only because it's the right thing to do, but because it hits so close to home.
"Both of our children were born in Japan," said Debbie.
William was born in the town of Sendai, where some of the greatest devastation occurred.
His older sister Kanna is from the town of Saitama.
Now, the family sits together at the dinner table every day after school, intricately folding in the hopes that it can help piece together Japan.
"We never expected it to get this big," said Debbie. "Our first order was for 20 and we were just thinking you know a dollar it's an easy way for a lot of people to participate, and it's not a huge amount."
In less than a week, William and Kanna have sold 150 paper cranes. They have raised almost $700 for the Red Cross already.
The pair says they are not done yet. They plan to reach 1,000 cranes to fulfill a Japanese legend.
"The story is-if you make 1,000 cranes, you get to make a wish and that wish will come true," Debbie said.
"I want to make a wish...for Japan to be okay," William added.
If you would like to purchase a paper crane from William and Kanna, or to donate to their cause, email cranes4japan@yahoo.com.