MONROE - Jacob Hawkinson's parents smiled as he helped guests bring gifts of the Mass to Bishop Robert Morlino at Saturday's Apostolate to the Handicapped, at the Monroe High School.

The fifth-grader, 11, wanted to be a part of the annual celebration.

Jacob, who is autistic, was happy to serve as one of the acolytes during the Mass. Saturday was his third year helping at the Christmas party.

"He and Monsignor Campion are best of friends," his mother Connie said, smiling.

They met about three years ago, Jacob's father, Steve, added.

Along with helping out at the Christmas party, Jacob also helps out on Campion's Sunday morning television Mass. Jacob is the youngest person ever to help out on the television show, his mother said.

"We're very, very proud of him," she said.

Jacob is just one of the many volunteers who helped at the annual Christmas party.

It takes hundreds of volunteers to make the day a success.

Most of them volunteer to help because of Campion.

Scottie Boss, 44, Monroe, is another volunteer who looks forward to helping out at the Apostolate events. He's good friends with Campion.

Boss has attended the events for years, he said.

"I look forward to coming here," he said. "I look forward to seeing friends."

He always had a smile and a greeting for the other guests.

"I like to help people," he said.