ATLANTA -- Georgia students in grades 5-12 are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

The awards program began searching for its next batch of honorees this week. Recipients of the award are young people who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.

"We have been recognizing youth volunteers since 1995 and still, every year, we're amazed by the stories of exemplary community service," Prudential chairman and CEO John Strangfeld said in a statement. "We look forward to honoring the top youth volunteers of 2013 for their selflessness, their initiative and their dedication to changing communities for the better."

MCDONOUGH, Ga. -- You can do your part this week to curb Georgia's high school dropout rate. All you need to do is eat at one of your favorite restaurants.

On Thursday, Aug. 23, proceeds from restaurants across the state will be donated to Communities in Schools of Georgia, an organization that encourages young people to complete their education and succeed in life.

The sixth annual Dine Out for Kids event hopes to exceed last year's total of $30,000 for children in the state.

Communities in Schools, which has chapters across the country, provides mentoring and after-school services, including parent education, literacy programs and youth leadership opportunities.

Participating Dine Out for Kids restaurants in McDonough and Henry County include:

ATLANTA -- From the mountains to the metro and beyond, customers flooded Chick-fil-A restaurants to show their support on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Wednesday.

Check out the Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day photo gallery to see pictures of the crowds at your hometown Chick-fil-A.

Send any Appreciation Day photos to photos@11alive.com.