In the Fall of 2013, Weirton Madonna and Weir High School Interact Clubs joined together to work on a project for Weirton’s first Make a Difference Day campaign. The project, called Soup, Socks, and Smiles: Warm Your Sole brought together students from Madonna High School, Weir High School, St. Joseph the Worker Grade School, St. Paul’s Grade School and Weir Middle Elementary School, as well as community volunteers. Students collected cans and non-perishable food items at local stores, throughout numerous neighborhoods and at the school’s sporting events. Approximately 5000 pounds of canned goods were collected and split between the Salvation Army and Weirton Community Bread Basket. In addition, more than 300 pairs of kids’ socks, backpacks, and other clothing were collected and donated to students in need at Weirton Elementary School. Also collected was monetary donations that went to a family whose house exploded in a natural-gas accident killing their teenage daughter.
The $10,000 check was distributed to Weirton Bread Basket and Weirton Salvation Army
Because of the efforts of many, Weirton Madonna High School and Weir High School were recently honored by USA Weekend as one of three City Award Honorees during the annual Make a Difference Day Awards Luncheon held on Thursday, April 11, in Washington, DC. Ms. Ali Welch, Weirton Madonna Interact Club President, and Mrs. Renee Howard, Weir High Interact Club Adviser, represented the community of Weirton at the award ceremony, where they were presented with a $10,000 check from Newman’s Own Foundation. This check will be distributed to Weirton Community Breadbasket and Weirton Salvation Army. The event in Washington also recognized Musician Jon Bon Jovi and Today Show Co-Hosts Matt Lauer and Samantha Guthrie for their commitment to volunteerism and was emceed by NBC Correspondent Jenna Bush Hager.
Ali Welch is pictured with Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager
This Make a Difference effort was also recognized in the Sunday, April 7, issue of the USA Weekend Magazine. The students of Madonna High School, the Interact Clubs of both Madonna High School and Weir High School and the Weirton community are applauded for their efforts in this endeavor.
