CHARLOTTE — Ben Pingree, an eighth-grade student at Holy Trinity Middle School and a member of St John Neumann Church, helped deliver two of 68 bikes that parishioners recently donated to Operation Santa’s Helpers.
Volunteers from several organizations at St John Neumann Church, including members of the Youth Group and Knights of Columbus, delivered the bikes and other presents, food and clothing to nearly 300 families in the Charlotte area Dec. 16.
The annual Operation Santa’s Helpers event also drew participation from Charlotte Catholic High School students and its champion football team. The school’s effort was coordinated by Mary Jayne Dawson, head of Campus Ministry, with help from Athletic Director Kevin Christmas, football coach Mike Brodowicz and lacrosse coach Bo Turner.
— Al Tinson