Latrobe Hospital fundraiser will include a memorial ceremony and Christmas tree lighting

Residents can put the spotlight on their loved ones by participating in an annual holiday display and fundraiser hosted by the Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society.

Now in its 37th year, the Lights of Love program illuminates an evergreen tree outside the main entrance of Independence Health Latrobe Hospital, with each light representing someone remembered or honored by a donation to the association.

For a donation of $8 per name, donors can mail a completed brochure and check to Lights of Love, LAHAS, Latrobe Hospital, One Mellon Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. Download a brochure at independence.health/lightsoflove or pick one up at the hospital or several other locations, including The Square at Latrobe, Adams Memorial Library, Latrobe Senior Center on Avenue C and Westmoreland Federal Savings.

The tree will be lit at the end of a public Light Up Night event taking place on December 10 at 6:30 pm in the Robindale Auditorium, at the former Latrobe Elementary School, 1501 Ligonier St., Latrobe.

The tree lighting will be streamed live. There will be a memorial ceremony, holiday music and light refreshments.

Donations are listed on an online honor roll. Donations can be made through the end of the year, with acknowledgment cards sent or emailed to those designated by the donors.

Since 1988, Lights of Love has raised more than $250,000 to benefit Latrobe Hospital patients and programs.

Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering the Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. school districts. Pleasant Area and Derry Area and their communities. He also reports on transportation problems. He has been a journalist for more than thirty years and enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at [email protected].