AHOSKIE – Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Auxiliary lit up a new Tree of Lights this year for the holidays and intends to keep it lit all year long!

The hospital’s Auxiliary, a volunteer organization established in the 1950’s to support the hospital, sponsors a tree that is enjoyed all season long by those who drive by the hospital.

“This holiday season, we invite community members to remember and honor those who have added ‘light’ to your life,” states Mary Dell Gay, president of the Auxiliary. “You may express your appreciation and gratitude for a loved one or make a donation in memory of a loved one to help us illuminate our Tree of Lights at any time throughout the year.”

A brief ceremony was held Dec. 1 in front of the hospital. The new tree was donated by Down South Lawn Care and planted directly in front of the hospital’s main entrance next to the flagpole.

Donations to the Tree of Lights may be sent to the Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Auxiliary at the hospital. Tax-deductible donations start at just $5; or you may give at the following levels: $25 Friend; $50 Patron; $100 Benefactor; $250 Sponsor; or $500 Sustainer. All donations go toward a scholarship fund to assist eligible students in the nursing program at Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

Members of the Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Auxiliary in addition to Mary Dell Gay, president, include Gloria Bazemore, Carolyn Brinkley, Barbara Ferguson, Joyce Flowers, Alice Sharpe, Teri Salisbury, and Cathy Williford.

Each donation is listed in the Tree of Lights Memory Book and the Auxiliary sends a letter to the honorees informing them of the donation.

For more information about the Tree of Lights or to request a donation form, call Robin Bland, volunteer services coordinator at 209-3290; mail donations to Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Auxiliary c/o Robin Bland, PO Box 1385, Ahoskie, NC 27910.