Santa Claus would be proud of members of the Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary who are busily making their lists and checking them twice to make sure no one is left off the Love Lights Tree at the Demopolis hospital.

Now entering its 19th year as one of the group’s most prosperous fund-raisers, the Love Lights Tree event is a way in which area residents can honor those they love and respect.

What began with a small tree on the front lawn of the hospital 19 years ago has grown to include a 24-foot-tall tree covered in red and white lights that’s situated atop the facility, two trees inside the hospital lobby that are festooned with red and white ornaments bearing the names of those being honored, and a huge hall filled with wreaths sponsored by area businesses and individuals.

“This is such a special program,” said Auxiliary president Brenda Parr. “This is the perfect time of year to take a moment to remember those who have touched our lives in very special ways and what better way to honor them than by helping someone else.

“The proceeds from this event will be used to help fund our many projects here at the hospital. We do everything from helping to purchase new equipment, to awarding scholarships to deserving students who wish to pursue a career in healthcare. The benefits of giving to this project are indeed long-lasting and rewarding.”

Slated for Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 5 p.m., the 19th Annual Love Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony is the official kick-off event for Christmas on the River and Parr promises that those attending the tree lighting ceremony will receive a treat indeed. “The Demopolis High School Choir is scheduled to perform this year,” said Brenda Parr, President. “They did such a great job at last year’s event that we were really excited when they agreed to perform again. COTR is such a special, fun event for the whole community and we are so pleased to be included as part of it,” Parr said.

The winners of the various Miss COTR pageants will also be on hand for the event, as well as a full contingent of the Auxiliary. Delicious refreshments will be offered to those attending, as well. The COTR Special Child will have the honors of actually flipping the switch to illuminate the tree this year.

A $3 donation will place a light on the tree in memory or in honor of your special person. Two lights are available for a $5 donation. The white memory lights and the red honor lights will shine on the tree outside the hospital throughout the holiday season while another tree in the main lobby will display coordinating ornaments featuring the names of the honorees and the donors. Special ornaments in honor or memory of military personnel are also available.

The Love Lights Memory Book will be displayed in the hospital’s main lobby throughout the holiday season and will feature the names of honorees and donors.

Anyone wishing to purchase Love Lights should contact any member of the BWWMH Auxiliary or they may purchase lights in the BWWMH Gift Shop.