Each nine-week period, the Piedmont Housing Authority recognizes its housing children and youth with $20 in McDonald’s gift coupons along with a party compliment of the Piedmont McDonalds.

Keith Word, executive director of the local Housing Authority, said this program has now been in place since 2002. Word said the program was started trying to encourage children and youth to stay in school since he was hearing from the youth that they could not wait until they turned 16 to quit school. Word said the program has made a huge difference in the lives of so many children and youth over the past nine years.

“We have had brothers and sisters compete against each other, sisters compete against sisters, and brothers compete against brothers,” he said. “This has been truly great to be a part of for the past nine years. I always leave energized and very happy from each party when they are over with.”

Word also praised the owners, David and Merry Neisler, managers Pam Traywick and Lisa Evans, and all the staff and employees for always treating the children like little kings and queens. When the kids arrive at the Piedmont McDonalds, they know they are loved and cared for by all the employees of the local McDonalds.

Attending the party with Word was: Kevin Brothers, Hunter Heitz, Taffanie Ningsanont, Jonathan Wayman, Tra’Shawn Swain, Mason Wayman, Hayli Bowman, Gqenazia Wilson, Celeste Wilson, Alexius Murphy, Kimothe Perry, Cory Brothers, Matthew Stitts, and Emily Jones.

Those recognized but unable to attend the party were Jaden Cantrell, Tamiya Spears, Silas Thompson, Laura Frost, Carlie Flowers, Cardavion Myers, Christopher Smith, Jessica Dyson, and Tashera Carpenter.