Photo With Santa Benefits Fund For Injured Manasquan Player

MANASQUAN, NJ — Santa will be coming back to Manasquan on Sunday for photos at the Christmas tree on Main Beach, and this time visitors have an opportunity to donate to the fund to help injured quarterback Aaron Van Trease with medical expenses.

The Manasquan Recreation Department said the photos with Santa can be taken from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday and, after a short break, from 1 p.m.to 3 p.m.

Although it is optional, the department is asking everyone to consider making a $10 donation - or whatever is affordable - toward the fund to help Aaron and his family, who are Manasquan residents, with medical expenses as he recovers from a spinal cord injury he suffered at a football game in September.

Cash or check is accepted. Checks should be made out to "AVT Fund".

Aaron is a senior at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel and was seriously injured Sept. 23 in a football home game in Holmdel. The quarterback, number 18, is recovering from a spinal injury at a rehabilitation facility.

There has been an outpouring of support for Aaron and his family from the town residents, from his school and from the larger community. There also is a GoFundMe site accepting donations to help the family with medical and rehabilitation bills.