And The Winner for October Is…

Each month, McKinney Smiles sponsors “Kids Who Make Us Smile,” a program that recognitizes local kids who are doing great work. In October these kids were the Blue Ridge First United Methodist Church Youth Group.

Why these kids amaze us

Reciently, Dr. McKinney and four representatives from the youth group sat down to talk about the group’s recent mission trip to San Marcos, where 12 members of their youth group and 6 adult leaders spent the last week of a Texas July renovating homes for those in need.

Mysterious aliases such as the “Paint Posy,” and the “Backyard Crew” were revealed during the interview, in which the four youth described their mission work, including but not limited to: tearing down and replacing floors, painting (hence, the posy), yardwork, caulking, and putting in new baseboards. In a Texas summer with no AC…  that’s a lot of work! These kids’ dedication is inspiring to us at the dental office (where there’s definitely AC!)

A full plate, too

Blue Ridge’s Youth Group also had the opportunity to cook and serve a meal (spaghetti!) for homeless individuals at Southside Community Center, a local place of worship that also served to coordinate the mission trip with around 50 other church groups, and to identify San Marcos families in need of help. All the youth were housed in dorms at the San Marcus State College where they seized the chance to meet other goal-oriented youth interested in working for positive change.

Positive reflections

When asked to reflect on their experiences, the four representatives unanimously told Dr. McKinney that the experience made them feel “blessed” by all they had, that the trip was a unifying experience for the entire group, and that they felt motivated to continue works of service. In the words of one individual, the Youth Group “went to go help other people but got blessed ourselves.”

Do you know of some extraordinary youth?

Great, it sounds like McKinney is full of them! Each month we select a winner to recognize and we welcome any potential Kids That Make Us Smile you can think of! This program is just one way that McKinney Smiles engages in and celebrates our unique and wonderful community here in McKinney, Texas. Thanks for making us your favorite McKinney, Texas dentist!

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