CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Saturday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made several stops in Charleston, W.Va. where she met with leadership from The Mountain Mission and community business leaders, followed by a visit to the Rock Steady Boxing Class, hosted by The West Virginia Parkinson’s Support Network.
First, Senator Capito traveled to the West Virginia State Capitol where she witnessed The Mountain Mission team break a Guinness Book of World Record by building the world’s largest word made of packaged food. The group broke the previous record, which was 5,791 items, by using 20,000 cans to spell the word, “Mountaineers.” Mountain Mission’s food pantry will distribute the 20,000 cans this holiday season.
“For years, Mountain Mission has provided a variety of assistance to those in need,” Senator Capito said. “I am so proud of the hard work of their entire team as they not only broke a world record, but helped the community in the process. I commend their gracious service, and appreciate the opportunity today to learn more about their operations and their goals for the future.”
“I want to thank Senator Capito for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us on this very special day. The senator has always been a huge supporter of our ministry of helping hurting families throughout the Greater Kanawha Valley so her presence today meant a lot to our organization. We are very thankful to receive this large donation of food that will assist us in feeding local families during the upcoming holiday season and beyond,” John Roberts, Executive Director of The Mountain Mission, said.
Next, Senator Capito traveled to the Charleston YMCA where she attended a boxing class for people with Parkinson’s disease. Senator Capito is a champion for individuals with Parkinson’s, helping to fund projects in West Virginia that will support people with neurological diseases, especially those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Senator Capito is also the lead sponsor in the U.S. Senate of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, which she introduced in September to unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson’s, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and reduce government spending over time.
“Far too many West Virginians are impacted by Parkinson’s disease—whether they are living with the disease or caring with someone impacted by it. Research continues to show that exercise can actually slow the progression of Parkinson’s, and those participating in this boxing class today are literally taking the disease on one punch at a time,” Senator Capito said.
“West Virginia is becoming a leader in the effort to prevent Parkinson’s and care for those already living with the disease, and Sen. Capito is an important part of that,” Charleston Parkinson’s Support Group Director George Manahan said. “West Virginia is only the fourth state in the country to establish a Parkinson’s Registry and Sen. Capito’s lead on this national legislation has people in the Parkinson’s community taking notice.”