On Nov. 17, the Palm Valley Community Center was full of smiles, color and energy during “SHINE-giving” — a special event where local youth came together to serve and give back.
The event was part of SHINE nights, a free community art and faith movement created and funded by The Flynn Family and inspired by Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others.”
Over the past few months, school-aged youth have collected items to fill more than 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a global outreach that delivers gift-filled boxes and messages of God’s love to children in need around the world. Every item inside — from crayons to stuffed animals — was donated by SHINE families and packed by the kids themselves.
“The smiles and excitement say it all,” said founder Laura Flynn. “They’re shining in every way — through their kindness, generosity and faith.”
SHINE nights will take a short break for the holidays and return in January with a new mission focused on children in need here in local communities.
“Our local youths will continue to have the opportunity to create, give and grow together in faith,” said Flynn.
For more information or to get involved, contact Peter Flynn at 954-955-8290.
