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The Chick Fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program focused on IMPACT THROUGH ACTION. The program is sponsored by the South Ridge Chick-Fil-A in South Charleston, WV. Â
Through the program the students learn:
- Servant LeadershipÂ
- TeamworkÂ
- InnovationÂ
- Communication
- Impact on their Community
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The senior class, led by Mrs. Witmer and Mrs. Madonna Estep, spent the day organizing, cleaning, and baking at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern West Virginia located along the Kanawha River near Women and Children’s Hospital. The facility is available to families who live at least 25 miles from Charleston and are in need of a place to stay while their child undergoes treatment at area hospitals. Services and support include fourteen private guest rooms, a fully-stocked kitchen, laundry services, a playroom for patients and siblings, and support from staff, volunteers, and other families with children going through similar medical journeys. Home-cooked meals are provided by volunteer groups so families have one less thing to worry about after spending long hours at the hospital. Families stay at the Ronald McDonald House at no cost and can stay as long as they need while their child is undergoing medical treatment. Â
The third floor is dedicated to organized shelves stocked with supplies that assist families during their stay: books, diaper bags, baby necessities, toiletry items, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable foods. Our Chick-Fil-A members organized many of the supplies available for families, did some cleaning outside, and baked a heart-shaped chicken pot pie.Â
Freshmen, sophomores, and junior Chick-fil-A members spent the day at the Union Mission in Charleston. The Union Mission collects non-perishable food all during the year and takes it to food pantries throughout the state. The food pantries then distribute the food to those who need it in their areas. The mission also operates a thrift store where donated clothing and other necessities may be purchased at low cost to anyone. The group was supervised by Ms. Milam, Mr. Klennert, and Mrs. Beakes and served by cleaning and painting, by organizing food for the food pantries and by sorting and organizing clothing and supplies in the thrift store.
Thanks, Chick-Fil-A Leaders and chaperones for your service to others!