KERNERSVILLE — On July 11, Holy Cross Church proved that given the opportunity, hearts open and generosity pours out.
For the fifth year, the parish’s evangelization committee organized a food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
The food drive at the church ran from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with volunteers arriving on site as early as 4 a.m. to help direct traffic for supporters and donors as they arrived.
More than 70 volunteers of all ages took part in the effort, helping to unload vehicles or holding signs along the sidewalk to welcome passersby.
Pitching in were Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Paul Dechant, pastor, as well as personalities from WXII Channel 12 who broadcast live from the scene throughout the day.
Even the Town of Kernersville and the N.C. Department of Transportation helped out: the town donated orange cones to help direct traffic, and construction work in front of the church was halted for the day.
Temperatures topping 90 degrees did not discourage people from coming out to support the food drive, and in the end the parish’s effort brought in 4,938 pounds of food donations and more than $4,200 in cash donations.
All who were part of this historic event felt the blessings upon them, and despite the hot weather, spirits were lifted with the joy of giving and helping others.
— Photo provided by NJ Clausen and John Bunyea | Catholic News Herald