On Monday, Oct. 31, you're invited to Light the Night at Teen Central. The community event will be held at the organization, 15 S. Wolf St., Manheim, from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Light the Night will feature hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy, different carnival games kids can play and the opportunity to pet some small farm animals," said Shontel Griffith, activities coordinator for Teen Central. "There will hot dogs, candy, music and a photo booth this year as well. Everything is free."

Because the event will be held during trick-or-treat night in Manheim Borough, children are encouraged to come in costume. "A lot of kids and families pass through our parking lot during trick-or-treat and enjoy the activities, and others stay the whole time," Griffith said. "People are welcome to stay as long as they like."

Over the years, Light the Night has grown both in the number of people who attend and the event's outreach to the community, Griffith stated. She said the organization has hosted the event for at least five years; last year's Light the Night drew approximately 500 people. Teen Central provides Christian-focused activities for youths, but Light the Night is open to everyone.

"We get a lot of students who attend Teen Central, but we also get a lot of people who don't," Griffith shared. "The students who come to Teen Central look forward to it, because they get to see their friends. The kids who don't come here get to see what we do, and the adults who come love it, because it provides a safe place for kids to be."

Above all, Griffith said, Light the Night is an opportunity for Teen Central to share its mission with the community. "It's wonderful to see the community connect in such a good way," she remarked. "Light the Night is one way that we at Teen Central aim to bring the light of Jesus to our community. It's another way to give light, kindness and love to the community."

For more information on Light the Night, call Teen Central at 717-664-2990 or check out the Teen Central Facebook and Instagram pages.