The holiday season is upon us and with it is an opportunity to celebrate life. Those interested can remember loved ones who have died or honor those who are living and hold a special place in their hearts.
West Virginia Caring’s annual Light up a Life event is underway. The Monongalia tree-lighting ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Morgantown Mall, outside JC Penney.
This year’s tree-lighting ceremony honors the mission of hospice care. Once again, it will feature members of the West Virginia Community Choir singing several songs to kick off this year’s holiday season. There will also be readings, fellowship and prayer.
Individuals are encouraged to participate and hang their keepsake ornaments during the ceremony. Next to the tree will be a display with the names remembered to honor their special place during this holiday season.
This year, WV Caring partnered with First Exchange Bank and a second tree will be on display at the bank’s University Avenue branch.
Light up a Life is one of WV Caring’s traditions to raise money for the organization’s patient care fund that makes care possible for people who have life-limiting illnesses without an ability to pay for care. Twenty additional trees are located throughout its 12-county service area.
“Light up a Life is a tradition, and it’s one of WV Caring’s biggest fundraisers of the year,” said Cindy Woodyard, vice president of public affairs. “By supporting Light up a Life, you are making a huge difference in the lives of your families, friends and neighbors who need the expert care that we provide, and they deserve.”
For a donation, individuals can place a light, ornament or a special keepsake angel on a tree at any of the participating locations. Donations are made in memory or honor of a friend or loved one. Everyone who is remembered or honored is entered in a memory book, which is on display throughout the season.
Lights, ornaments and the handmade keepsake angels are available for a donation. Lights can be purchased for $5, and glass heart ornaments for $20. This year’s ornament is handmade from fine porcelain with a glaze luster featuring an angel holding a heart, which glows when a mini tree light is behind it for $35. All donations are tax deductible.
Info: Contact WV Caring at 800-350-1161 or visit wvcaring.org.
