Like many of her classmates in the Boys & Girls Club program, 11-year-old Serenity has faced a lot of challenges in her young life. She and her family — including her mom and two brothers — have fallen on hard times. Her mom does her best to provide shelter and safety for the kids, but making ends meet is a struggle, and the uncertainty takes a toll on the whole family.

Even so, Serenity is a light to those around her. She’s an upbeat, spunky kid who loves doing cartwheels, making art, and watching Christmas movies, and she can always be counted on for a smile or a laugh. She’s proud of her Native American culture and enjoys teaching others about it when she can. She’s even been a guest speaker on the Boys & Girls Club podcast, sharing her story in hopes of inspiring other kids to persevere through the challenges they’re experiencing.

Serenity was nominated by program staff at the Boys & Girls Club, who had nothing but good things to say about this positive, bubbly girl who is always caring about and supporting others. Her nominators want to make sure that Serenity knows she is loved and cared for — not just by the club but by many others in the Lincoln community. UBT’s Magic Moments team and our wonderful partners were more than happy to share the love.

Special treatment for a special girl

There’s lots of holiday magic on deck for sweet Serenity, who’s been known to start rocking her fuzzy Grinch sweater the moment the weather turns chilly. First up: She and her mom and brothers were treated to some holiday joy at the Magical Lights of Lincoln light show! Serenity and her mom also get to enjoy a spa day together, and a bundle of restaurant gift cards and passes to places like the Lincoln Children’s Zoo ensure the family gets to spend some quality time together. The whole family has been outfitted with some new clothes from Scheels, and each family member received gifts tailored to their interests and needs. The family also received gas cards, bus passes, and other gifts designed to help make life a little easier during these trying times.

To top it all off, Serenity got to treat her Boys & Girls Club classmates and teachers to a pizza party courtesy of our friends at Valentino’s — where we’re sure there were lots of cartwheels.

Serenity, we hope you grow up to do big things in life and share your light with others. Happy holidays from the whole UBT family!