GREENSBORO — On April 15, the Hampton Community in East Greensboro was severely damaged by a 135-mph tornado. Homes, businesses and area schools were damaged.
In response, Greensboro Knights of Columbus councils (Piedmont Council 939, St. Mary’s Council 8684, St. Pius X Council 11101 and St. Paul the Apostle Council 13236) collected $8,000 from Brother Knights around the state and presented the donation July 20 to the Hampton Community Relief Fund to help provide basic necessities to the affected families.
Accepting the check for the Hampton Community Relief Fund was Dr. LaToy Kennedy, principal of Hampton Elementary University Magnet School and director of the Hampton Community Relief Fund. Also pictured are the grand knights of each council: Jim Duffy of St. Pius X; Dan Camia of Piedmont; Rick Ohlendorf of St. Mary’s and Denis Murray of St. Paul the Apostle.
— John Russell
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