MOUNT HOLLY — Teenage volunteers gave their time and hearts this summer to help support the residents of Holy Angels as part of its Volunteen program.
“The Volunteen program was a really great opportunity to do good and spread God’s love,” said Volunteen Lila McGarry, an incoming freshman at Charlotte Catholic High School. “Holy Angels is filled with so much love, and it is a wonderful place to volunteer.”
Holy Angels has provided residential services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical needs since 1955. This is the first time the organization welcomed back the Volunteens since the beginning of the pandemic.
Program attendees supported residents through art and music therapy, visits to Camp Hope, playing games and lots of conversations, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the residents.
“The Volunteen program holds special significance at Holy Angels, bridging the gap between generations and nurturing the spirit of compassion and service within our younger supporters,” said Holy Angels President and CEO Kerri Massey. “These dedicated teens exemplify the core values of Holy Angels, demonstrating the profound impact they make through genuine connections and acts of kindness. We hope they had an exceptional experience and created a lifetime of memories.”
The Volunteens bonded with many of the residents and staff, creating friendships that will last beyond the summer.
Aidan Flynn, another Charlotte Catholic High School freshman, expressed his appreciation for the program’s impact.
“The Volunteen program is great because it gives teenagers the opportunity to develop a relationship with those individuals who are differently-abled, along with the team members who have the biggest hearts,” Flynn said. “I made several new friends, including one resident, Mark. We had so much fun playing cornhole. It meant a lot to me that he drew a picture of both of us playing football for the Seattle Seahawks. This was a life-changing experience.”
Throughout the summer, the volunteens brought so much enthusiasm, igniting smiles and laughter, and instilling a sense of belonging within the community.
“Holy Angels is a really beautiful place,” McGarry added. “Everyone I met was so loving and kind. I love all the residents and all their unique and wonderful personalities. It was a blessing to be a part of Holy Angels.”
— Shawn Flynn
Get involved
Get involvedInterested in becoming a Holy Angels volunteer or Volunteen? Contact Holy Angels Foundation at 704-825-4161 or go online to www.holyangelsnc.org.