MINT HILL, N.C. -- Members of the Mint Hill community have come together during the season of giving to help a family struggling to pay burial costs after the tragic death of a son just days before Christmas.

On Thursday morning 21-year-old Michael Patton Jr. died in a car crash on Harris Boulevard in east Charlotte. He was sitting in the passenger seat of the minivan his own father was driving.

That man, Mike Patton, is a janitor at Queen’s Grant Community School in Mint Hill

“He's always so happy, smiling, opening doors, just loves the kids,” said parent Nancy Griffin.

Teachers and parents like Griffin found out about the fatal car wreck on Thursday night, and by Friday morning e-mails went out asking for any and all donations – and they came pouring in.

In just five days parents raised more than $7,000 for the family that couldn’t afford a burial. Even students pitched in.

“They did get money for Christmas, and that was one thing that they said, ‘Mom, can we go up there and take our money we got for Christmas and give,’” Griffin said.

Amidst tears and hugs, Patton graciously accepted their gift on Tuesday. But money was only part of their donation.

“They really showed how much they love you,” Patton said. “They made it easier for me to come to work.”

The parents gave their support, their time and their love to a grieving family. They also gave Patton a reason to smile, even through the depths of tragedy.

“That to me is really beautiful, because love is action,” he said.

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