This annual tradition began in 1995 when we gathered to light candles in memory of lost friends & to share stories about their lives. Now, 18 years later, we're thankful for the many caring supporters who brighten the holiday season well beyond our early days of lighting candles.
The celebration will start with a hot lunch and the opening of "Santa's Shoppe"& the Hope Bucket/Angel Tree Gift* area. At 2:00 pm, we gather around the hope tree to hang an ornament in memory or in honor of someone you love. Santa will be available for holiday photos throughout the day.
*Hope Buckets & Angel Tree Gifts for Children must be reserved in advance. Hope for the Holiday papers will be sent to hope members the first week of October. If do not receive them, please contact Hope Center so that we can verify your address.
We are grateful that Kathy Smith, Director of Home Missions & Compassion Ministry, and the volunteers at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church graciously offer their time and space at their Family Life Center for this special gathering.
It will take the generous support of over 150 donors and community volunteers to make this celebration possible. If you want to help, there are several ways you can join this volunteer effort:
Items needed for the "Santa’s Shoppe" where hope members and children "shop" during the party. Examples are: gently-used clothing, toys, shoes, linens, household accessories, dishes, small appliances, and holiday decorations. Please keep us in mind when you begin Fall cleaning.
(We're unable to accept furniture due to storage limitations, but we suggest donating to the Compassion Coalition's Furniture program – 251-1591.)
Volunteers are recruited to help with registration, greet and visit with holiday guests, assist shoppers in Santa’s Shoppe, take packages to cars, serve food, help Santa, and organize/supervise children's activities.
The "Angel Tree" program involves purchasing gifts for a "hope child" or children. The donor is given a wish list with the child’s age, first name, gender, sizes & wishes. So that all children within a family receive equally, we encourage a limit of $50 per child.
"Hope Bucket" program was founded by Carol-Ann McMillan-Buchanan as a tribute to her brother, Chucky, who died in 2000. Volunteers enjoy this activity. Families or workplace groups often collaborate to make buckets, share the cost, and share the fun!
With thanks on behalf of the patients and families,
Jeannie Gillian, PhD, Director
Please call Hope Center for more information - 865/541-3767,
or, e-mail hope_center@covhlth.com.