Carson’s Community Volleyball Project

This is Independence, Kansas. ❤️

Have you ever heard a story that reminds you exactly who we are as a community?

This is one of those stories.

It starts with an 11-year-old boy named Carson Kolbinskie, who loves playing volleyball with his sister, Brynlee. When they realized there wasn’t a nearby place to play, Carson didn’t just accept it—he decided to do something about it.

With encouragement from his mom—if you see a problem, solve it—Carson wrote a handwritten letter to the City of Independence.

And someone listened.

Lacey Lies, the City’s Director of Finance, didn’t just read his letter—she responded. She encouraged him. And even more importantly, she invited him into the process:

“Do you want to help me figure out a solution?”

From there, something powerful happened.

Carson stepped up. He worked alongside community leaders, practiced his presentation, and courageously shared his vision. What started as a simple idea grew into real momentum—bringing together organizations, volunteers, and supporters across Independence.

At the Community Foundation for Independence, this is exactly the kind of initiative we believe in—young people using their voices, supported by a community that shows up.

That’s why we’re proud to support Carson through our new micro-grant program with:

• A $500 micro-grant to kickstart his fundraising efforts
• Access to an online platform to help bring his vision to life

But this is just the beginning.

Now, we’re inviting you to be part of the story.

Your donation will help fund the development of a community volleyball space—creating a place for kids, families, and friends to gather, play, and connect for years to come.

More than that, your support sends a powerful message:
That young voices matter.
That ideas matter.

That when someone steps up, this community steps up with them.

If this story speaks to you, we hope you’ll consider giving.

Because this isn’t just about a volleyball net.

It’s about what’s possible when a community believes in its people.

This is Independence, Kansas. ❤️