Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council No. 11103 hosted its annual Christmas party on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Sacred Heart Founder's Hall on Dundee Road in Pinehurst

Schools represented include Academy Heights and Pinehurst Elementary Schools, Southern, West Pine, and New Century Middle Schools, and Pinecrest and Union Pines High Schools.

The Christmas party started with Super Clown (Tom Moore) from the Council, who performed many tricks with audience participation. The group moved on to carol singing by the chorale group of special challenged students.

A luncheon of pizza and soda was served, after which Santa and Mrs. Claus (Harry and Ann Meeth) arrived to distribute 93 gifts that were purchased by either Knights/Auxiliary or friends of the Council from a wish list compiled by the Brother-in-Charge with information collected from the teacher of each class.

"I believe that this program is a labor of love because it is for our challenged children, who unfortunately cannot do what normal children can do," says Joe Dickinson, chairman of the Adopt-a-Child Program.

After the gifts were distributed each teacher was given a bag or two that contained a Christmas stocking filled with candy to be given to each student as they left school at the end of the day.

Each teacher was given a poinsettia for supporting the program.

"My thanks to the 11 Brothers-in-Charge plus the Knights and Auxiliary and friends who helped to make it a wonderful party for these students," says Dickinson. "I received many thank-yous from the teachers and aides, but all I can say is without your support I could not do it alone."