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Smile 20twenty movement launched by two local sisters

Smile 20twenty movement launched by two local sisters
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Two sisters Dilyn Stewart, 13-year-old, and 14-year-old Channing Stewart, spoke passionately on Thursday, at the St.Peters Restoration Church, launching their movement Smile 20Twenty.

The sisters are wanting to bring joy and light to the world during the time of unrest, sparked by the death of George Floyd.

The sisters share they are doing this by bringing smiles back in 2020.

"It is a motivational challenge for young adults to start uplifting each other, trying to make their community a better place," said Dilyn Stewart. "And ease racial tensions."

Here is how to participate in the smile baskets.

First, choose someone who may have lost contact with, who does not look like you, or someone who you may want to connect with. Then send them a basket of things to make them smile.

The Stewart sisters announced their movement in front of attendees at the Unity Rally and says this is how they felt.

"It felt really good and I felt like I was making a change," Dilyn Stewart said. "I felt like it was something new to introduce to everybody. It was almost like I was putting my actions behind my words."

The baskets include inspiring trinkets, journals, pens, and snacks.

Also, a gift to teach the receiver of the basket something new about their sender's community.

The sisters add that George Floyd's death and the many protests across the country, in the community was a part of their inspiration.

"Of course, it definitely ties into it, like Dilyn says, its always been happening its not an awakening because we been woke," said Channing Stewart. "Everyone is on [paying attention] because of the pandemic and it's having a bigger reaction than normal. Which it should always have had a reaction because its a big deal. We just thought it would help bring a smile to everyone's face."

The sisters say that this project has been only two weeks in the making, and will be handing out their first baskets on Monday.

To learn more about how you can send your smile basket be sure to go to their Facebook.

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