‘Angels For A Day’ Deliver Heavenly Fun On Skates

MICHAEL ALEXANDER, Staff Photographer

Published: February 14, 2008

Volunteer Carlos Reynoso, foreground left, brings up the rear of the line as he escorts the last of the 250 kids into the skating rink. Seven buses transported Hispanic children and volunteers to Sparkles Roller Skating Rink from the Missionaries of Charity Jonesboro mission, the Holy Spirit Catholic Center at the Solidarity School, San Felipe de Jesus Mission, and St. Andrew Church. (Photos by Michael Alexander)

KENNESAW—Some 250 enthusiastic Hispanic children from the Missionaries of Charity Jonesboro mission, Holy Spirit Catholic Center at the Solidarity School, Atlanta, San Felipe De Jesus Mission, Forest Park, and the St. Andrew Church Hispanic Ministry, Roswell, were transported by bus to the Sparkles Roller Skating Rink, Kennesaw, as part of the annual Angel For A Day event on Saturday, Feb. 2.

The children were accompanied by 160 volunteers from Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta, Pinecrest Academy, Cumming, Southern Catholic College, Dawsonville, and St. Pius X High School, Atlanta. Once they arrived at the rink, the children had the opportunity to skate or go to the facility’s “play zone.” At noon they munched on pizza and drank soda.

This is the third year the Angel-For-A-Day program has brought smiles to so many children. Two years ago Angel For A Day took children to see the movie “Chronicles of Narnia” at Phipps Plaza. Last year they had a chance to bowl at Brunswick Lanes in Roswell. The program allows some of the children to experience these activities for the first time.

Legionaries of Christ Father Eamonn Shelly, vice president and Pinecrest Academy Legionaries of Christ chaplain, said, “The primary mission of Angel For A Day is to provide underprivileged children with a Christ-centered memorable life experience through the activities, guided by volunteers who model service, virtue and friendship for the children in imitation of Christ.”

Jose Oscar Flores Moreno served as the 2008 chairperson for the event, and Pinecrest Academy senior Annelise Nevarez coordinated the volunteers. Angel For A Day is sponsored by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi.

As they make their way around the roller skating rink, Josefina Aubele of Chile, left, and Barbara Bessa of Brazil, right, try to hold up 7-year-old Jacqueline Pavon to keep her from falling.

Valdemar Teran, 8, enjoys a bite of pizza as a friend looks on. Over 200 children, ranging from first to sixth grade, enjoyed a day of fun and food at Kennesaw’s Sparkles Roller Skating Rink Feb. 2.

Annelise Nevarez, right, a senior at Pinecrest Academy helps 8-year-old Miguel Gonzalez lace up his skates. Nevarez was responsible for coordinating the 160 volunteers who assisted with this year’s Angel-For-A-Day program.

Children at the Holy Spirit Catholic Center at the Solidarity School, Atlanta, line up to board the bus taking them to Sparkles Roller Skating Rink, Kennesaw. Six-year-old Cesar Balbuena, front of line, and his 10-year-old sister show off the number on their hands that corresponds to their designated bus number.