Chick-fil-A Opened on Sunday so Teen with Special Needs Could Celebrate Birthday
Chick-fil-A is at it again — spreading smiles and cheer and making everyone’s day. Eating “the Lord’s chicken” is certainly a treat, there’s just one problem.
Everyone knows Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays. As a church-goer, I always thought it would be quite perfect to enjoy a meal of nuggets and waffle fries after some good ol’ preachin’.
But, alas, my go-to quick-service restaurant filled with instrumental worship music and “my pleasures” every way I look is closed on the one day I wish it was open.
There are exceptions to the rule, of course. Chick-fil-A has been known to open its doors on an occasional Sunday when a need is truly present.
One Chick-fil-A in Alabama decided to meet a very special need for a very special birthday boy. Elijah Sprague was turning 14 and all he wanted was to work at his favorite chicken eatery.
The young man has seen his fair share of trials in life. From being born a preemie at 22 weeks to living with autism and cerebral palsy, Elijah is as strong as they come.
“We try hard to do things that make him happy,” his mom, Rene Sprague, told AL.com. It just so happens that one of the things that makes him happy is Chick-fil-A.
As fate would have it, Elijah’s uncle, Walt Gilstrap, manages their local Chick-fil-A in Mobile, Alabama. When Sprague asked him if they could have a party for Elijah outside of business hours, Gilstrap, along with the store’s owner Glenn Rosson, made it happen.
“We’ve known since we brought Elijah home that his life would be limited, both in time and ability,” Sprague told CBN News. “Because of his strength and God’s grace, he has far exceeded both.”
And, it appears, Chick-fil-A and the people who make up this company have far exceeded our expectations once again as well.
Not only did Elijah get to enjoy a birthday on a Sunday, but he got to pass out cookies and drinks to his friends via the drive-thru. Cookies his uncle and girlfriend got up early to make, according to AL.com.
“The way people love this kid amazes me,” Sprague wrote on Facebook. “It has truly changed the way I live my life. Loving people with your whole heart, judgements aside and with no anticipation of rewards. Thank you to every single person that loves our Elijah.”
Complete with a polo shirt and nametag, it appears serving others made this boy’s day. And, it seems, it was Chick-fil-A’s pleasure to serve him and his family, too. Another win for chicken. No wonder we love this company so much!
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