Cool and comfortable morning ahead of a warmer afternoonFlorida ranks top 5 for most dangerous places to online date; FGCU students react
(Credit: Dawn Stephens) Spencer Stephens was only 18 years old when he was struck and killed by a car in November. He’s described as having a life filled with kindness and generosity. “Spencer was very strong and loved Jesus,” said his mother, Dawn Stephens, “He is very kind. And he spent most of his teenage years and maybe earlier volunteering.” Spencer’s family said they wanted to spread his sparkle with others for his would-be 19th birthday, saying his ‘sparkle’ is “to love unconditionally, accept other people unconditionally no matter how different they are from you.” His father, Donnie Stephens, said, “We’re trying our best to honor him and keep loving everybody.” They’re collecting new and gently used shoes for Southwest Florida kids in need. “I think he would be so excited that these kids have a new pair of shoes. Some have sparkles on them, some have rainbows, some are just lovely,” Dawn explained. They’ve donated more than 100 pairs to Kids Needs of Greater Englewood. They want to help even more families before the new school year. “I’m not ready to let his light fade. And I’ll continue sharing his name and his story and spreading your sparkle within our community,” Dawn added. It’s a step forward in the Stephens family’s healing – spreading his sparkle one shoe at a time. The Stephens family and Kids Needs of Greater Englewood will accept donations through Spencers’ birthday on Thursday, July 29. You can drop off donations in person or ship an online order to: Gulf Coast Auto Salvage 2851 Avenue of the Americas Englewood, FL 34224 You can also drop off at donations: Englewood YMCA 701 Medical Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223 Stevens Florist 3455 S Access Rd, Englewood, FL 34224 Key Realty 1201 S. McCall Rd. Englewood, FL 34223 Country Hound Cafe 1951 S McCall Rd # 530, Englewood, FL 34223 Englewood Chamber of Commerce 601 S Indiana Ave, Englewood, FL 34223