SOS Children Receive an Everlasting Gift from One of Their Own

Melina Paul moved into a home at SOS Children’s Villages in Coconut Creek two years ago. Over the course of those two years, her creativity continued to blossom. When she set out on her summer internship at Volunteer Broward it was to gain experience and do some good. She never imagined that it would also create a gift for the SOS children now and in the future.

As part of her internship, Melina had to create and coordinate a project for a local non-profit. She chose to unite the other boys and girls at SOS and create a special mural on a wall in SOS’ Social Services building. Volunteer Broward staff member Juli Zeno coached her how to create the project plan and coordinate the volunteers. SOS staff members Adrienne Pollichemi and Carlos Tejeda helped her choose Picasso’s “Petite Fleurs,” a painting of two hands exchanging flowers, as the centerpiece of the mural.

For Melina, these hands became symbolic of the giving, the care, and the SOS Village. To share this with all of the children living at SOS, she asked them to leave their handprint and name on the wall as well. She also invited back all of the SOS graduates to add their hands. To keep the legacy going, each new child who moves into the Village will add their handprint and name.

“I wanted the kids to know that they are remembered,” says Melina. “They will see that they made their mark on SOS when they come back (to visit).”

The wall was officially unveiled at a small ceremony on July 23. Welcoming the new gift were special guests Coconut Creek Mayor Becky Tooley, Charlie Silveria of Silveria Painting and his family who donated the paint for the wall, Volunteers Lisa and Marty Pechter, and SOS CEO Margie Bruszer, and Melina’s friends and family.

Melina Paul moved into a home at SOS Children’s Villages in Coconut Creek two years ago. Over the course of those two years, her creativity continued to blossom. When she set out on her summer internship at Volunteer Broward it was to gain experience and do some good. She never imagined that it would also create a gift for the SOS children now and in the future.

As part of her internship, Melina had to create and coordinate a project for a local non-profit. She chose to unite the other boys and girls at SOS and create a special mural on a wall in SOS’ Social Services building. Volunteer Broward staff member Juli Zeno coached her how to create the project plan and coordinate the volunteers. SOS staff members Adrienne Pollichemi and Carlos Tejeda helped her choose Picasso’s “Petite Fleurs,” a painting of two hands exchanging flowers, as the centerpiece of the mural.

For Melina, these hands became symbolic of the giving, the care, and the SOS Village. To share this with all of the children living at SOS, she asked them to leave their handprint and name on the wall as well. She also invited back all of the SOS graduates to add their hands. To keep the legacy going, each new child who moves into the Village will add their handprint and name.

“I wanted the kids to know that they are remembered,” says Melina. “They will see that they made their mark on SOS when they come back (to visit).”

The wall was officially unveiled at a small ceremony on July 23. Welcoming the new gift were special guests Coconut Creek Mayor Becky Tooley, Charlie Silveria of Silveria Painting and his family who donated the paint for the wall, Volunteers Lisa and Marty Pechter, and SOS CEO Margie Bruszer, and Melina’s friends and family.