New Location for Archbold Tree of Lights
The holiday season is upon us, and for many in South Georgia, it’s a tradition to honor and remember friends and loved ones by making contributions to the Archbold Foundation Tree of Lights.
“The Tree of Lights ceremony really marks the beginning of the holiday season for our community, and it offers a celebration of life and remembrance for attendees, as well,” said Vann Middleton, Archbold Foundation president.
This year, the community will gather in a new location—the hospital’s front lawn—to celebrate the annual lighting of the hospital tree. The event will take place Monday, December 5th at 6:00 p.m. at Archbold Memorial Hospital’s main lawn on Gordon Avenue
Middleton said hospital staff searched diligently for weeks to find the perfect tree, a 28 foot tall Thuja Green Giant ever green that now has permanent residence on the hospital’s front lawn year round. “We wanted to find a tree that would be conducive to the growing conditions of South Georgia. One that was drought resistant and tolerant to Thomasville’s warmer climate. This tree now has a permanent home on the hospital lawn and will serve as the perfect symbol of the holiday season for many years to come.”
“We’re very excited about the new location of the Tree of Lights event,” said Middleton. “We hope even more community members will join us in celebrating the lighting of the hospital’s tree on our front lawn this year. And we hope our community, patients and visitors will enjoy seeing the tree lit up outside during the entire holiday season.”
The 2016 Tree of Lights is presented by sponsor Thomas County Federal, and guests will enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate and special music followed by the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. “As a local community bank with deep roots in Thomas County and the surrounding area, we understand the important role that charitable giving plays in keeping our community strong. We are proud to partner with the Archbold Foundation to support Hospice of Southwest Georgia by sponsoring the annual Tree of Lights this year,” said Jami Porter, vice president, Retail Banking and Operations for Thomas County Federal.
Gifts may be made in memory or honor of a loved one throughout the holiday season. Individuals honored and family members of those remembered receive a special card letting them know a gift has been given. Cards for the Tree of Lights are sent throughout the month of December. A donation of $10 per individual honored is suggested, but gifts of any size are welcome. All proceeds from the Tree of Lights once again benefit the many worthy programs of Hospice of Southwest Georgia. “Each light on the tree symbolically represents a gift made in honor or in memory of a loved one,” Middleton added. “These tributes help provide critical resources for the special programs Hospice of Southwest Georgia offers to our patients, families and communities.”
For more information about the Archbold Foundation Tree of Lights or to make a donation, call 229-228-2924 or visit www.archboldfoundation.org.