Today we’d like to introduce you to Connor Farrell.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
For many years, our family made small toiletry bags to give to homeless individuals we regularly saw on our drive to and from school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene products were extremely difficult to access. Supply chain difficulties and product shortages led to bare supermarket shelves and online platforms. Additionally, my family drove past a local soup kitchen (Triune Mercy Center) on our way to swim practice and other extracurricular activities each day. These factors combined in 2020 when my family sat down to discuss ways to do more with the bags we kept in our car.
We realized that the hundreds of homeless in Greenville were likely not receiving adequate hygiene products, and we had an idea and a foundation to support this community’s needs. Thanks to a grant from Global Youth Mobilization, an organization sponsored by the World Health Organization, we applied for a 501(c)(3) exemption and launched our website, www.brightlightsgreenville.com. We also contacted the Pastor of Triune Mercy Center and established a monthly drop-off of hygiene kits at their location. In 2022, we partnered with two additional organizations: Catholic Charities of South Carolina and St. Anthony of Padua Church Outreach, to provide consistent hygiene access. We package around 150 kits per month containing soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, razor, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste! Each of our three partner organizations receives 50 kits. From this simple concept, Bright Lights Greenville was formed. Since 2020, we have packaged more than 3,500 hygiene kits and raised thousands of dollars to benefit the homeless of Greenville, South Carolina.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While it has not been a smooth road, we have never let difficulties interfere with our ability to support the homeless community! Our biggest challenges have been community involvement and local fundraising. Getting the community involved with our work has been a huge challenge since day one. Because we started packaging kits out of our home, we have struggled to develop ways for volunteers to assist with our work. Additionally, we are constantly seeking new ways to raise funds. We are planning our first virtual fundraiser in March to fundraise and increase community involvement!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently on?
I am currently a junior at St. Joseph’s CatholicJoseph’shool in Greenville. I am passionate about politics and plan to pursue a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. I have been involved with the YMCA Youth in Government program for almost seven years and was selected to represent South Carolina as a Youth Advocate in 2022. In this role, I traveled to Washington, DC, where I met with members of Congress and advocated for YMCA legislative priorities. This year, I was selected as a United States Senate Youth semifinalist. I hope to one day serve the United States as a politician and diplomat. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished with Bright Lights Greenville. While I knew that we had immense potential to turn a “project” into an “unction” ng organization, I could never have foreseen the success and impact that we have had thus far.
What sets me apart from others is my natural ambition and desire to succeed in everything that I do. I am committed and dedicated to ensuring that Bright Lights Greenville can support and advocate for hygiene access among the homeless. The day-to-day work that is running a nonprofit requires can be incredibly challenging.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
Consider the benefits and drawbacks of taking risks. Starting Bright Lights Greenville has been a big risk because I needed to gain experience starting a nonprofit. However, I am a very adventurous person. I love trying new things and expanding beyond my comfort zone. It is always better to take risks. While starting Bright Lights Greenville was undoubtedly a risk, I have learned much about the nonprofit sector and deepened my understanding and appreciation for our community organizations. I have made countless connections, met extraordinary community leaders and visionaries driving change in our society, and worked firsthand to solve a pressing community need. It was a risk worth taking, and I am immensely grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brightlightsgreenville.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bright.lights.gvl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bright-lights-greenville/
