03/28/2024
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On Monday, June 10th, 2019 the family of Dr. Andrakeia Shipman, and employees from Bladen County Schools, delivered a sizable donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Durham, NC.  The donations were given in memory of Dr. Shipman, niece of Bladen County Schools CTE Director Willa Dean Shipman Williams.  Dr. Shipman worked as a pharmacist at Duke Medical Center in Pediatrics. Dana Mills, Agriculture teacher at West Bladen High School, spearheaded this project. A tour that highlighted the facilities and purposes of the Ronald McDonald House was provided by Clay Ragan, an employee of the Ronald McDonald House.

Blake Babson, employee of Bladen County Schools Maintenance Department, delivered the items from Bladen County Schools.  This delivery was supported by Dr. Robert Taylor, Superintendent of Bladen County Schools. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department at East Bladen and West Bladen high schools, Bladen County Board of Education staff, Whiteville High School FFA, Duke Hospital Pediatrics floor, and the family and church members of Dr. Shipman made contributions to the donation.
The Ronald McDonald House of Durham provides a “home away from home” for families of children who are coping with a serious illness.  The donation taken to the Ronald McDonald House of Durham included deodorant, dryer sheets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Swiffer products, and other household items. The Ronald McDonald House will include these items in  welcome packages that will be given to residents upon arrival. These welcome packages will help them feel a little more at home while they help their child cope with a life altering illness.

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