From Piedmont Lakes Middle School FBLA Chapter
In Summary:
Piedmont Lakes Middle School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter partnered with First Baptist Church Apopka’s Next Step Ministry on November 9 to assist people experiencing homelessness. Students prepared and served hot meals and distributed blankets donated through their schoolwide collection. Chapter adviser Sherrie Parker said the project helped teach compassion, leadership, and the importance of making a difference in others’ lives.
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Students from Piedmont Lakes Middle School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently demonstrated the true meaning of community service through their “Warm Hearts, Warm Blankets” initiative.
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On November 9, 2026, FBLA students partnered with First Baptist Church Apopka’s Next Step Ministry to prepare and serve hot meals to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Apopka community. In addition to serving meals, students distributed warm blankets collected through their schoolwide blanket drive, offering comfort and compassion to those in need.
The initiative gave students a valuable opportunity to put leadership, teamwork, and community responsibility into action while making a meaningful difference in others' lives.
Piedmont Lakes Middle School FBLA extends heartfelt appreciation to First Baptist Church Apopka, Michelle Bruehl Faircloth, and the Next Step Ministry for welcoming students and providing this wonderful opportunity to serve.
Piedmont Lakes Middle School FBLA Chapter Advisor Ms. Sherrie Parker, a community event organizer, stated, "Community service is about giving back, but most importantly it's about teaching our students the importance of compassion, leadership, and making a difference in the lives of others." She also thanked those who donated blankets and FBLA parents for recognizing the importance of this project.
Through projects like “Warm Hearts, Warm Blankets,” these young future business leaders are learning that leadership extends beyond the classroom and that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Together, we can warm hearts, inspire service, and strengthen our community — one act of kindness at a time.
Key Points:
- Student service: Piedmont Lakes Middle School FBLA members participated in the “Warm Hearts, Warm Blankets” initiative on November 9.
- Community partnership: Students worked with First Baptist Church Apopka’s Next Step Ministry to support people experiencing homelessness.
- Meals and blankets: Participants prepared and served hot meals and distributed blankets collected through a schoolwide drive.
- Leadership in action: The project gave students opportunities to practice teamwork, compassion, and community responsibility.
- Shared support: The chapter thanked the church, Michelle Bruehl Faircloth, Next Step Ministry, blanket donors, and FBLA parents for supporting the effort.
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