Chesterbrook Academy Collects Soda Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

On Feb. 19, students at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool on Roger Stover Drive in Fairfax presented a donation of more than 10,000 soda can tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities Charlottesville. Finn, a child who has been fighting a heart disease while residing at Ronald McDonald House, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization. Throughout December and January, students held a drive to collect the soda can tabs, which will be recycled in exchange for funds to help offset Ronald McDonald House’s expenses and benefit families supported by the organization. Representatives from Foundation 4 Heroes, a nonprofit that supports hospital patients and teaches children courage, were also in attendance during the donation presentation to talk with students about how to be a hero and to celebrate the donation. Students were dressed for the occasion, wearing superhero costumes.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Charlottesville is the only organization that provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious illness or injury in Charlottesville. In an effort to lessen the burden, reduce stress, keep the family intact and enhance the quality of life for these families, the organization provides affordable housing in a caring home-like atmosphere. Foundation 4 Heroes brings gifts, inspiration and smiles to patients of all ages in hospitals, visits schools to teach children how to be a hero and talk about bullying, and finds ways to honor and thank veterans for their courage, service and sacrifice.