WINNEMUCCA - On Saturday, Dec. 7, area residents gathered around the tree in front of the Winnemucca Convention Center to remember their loved ones in a very special way.
That evening, the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice hosted the third annual "Lasting Lights of Love" Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting Service for the community.
The new Christmas tradition, which followed the Humboldt County Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Parade of Lights, offered local residents the chance to pay special honor to loved ones who have passed on.
And local residents took advantage of the chance to memorialize their loved ones in light.
In all, 102 people were remembered by Winnemucca Mayor Di An Putnam, who read off names during a short ceremony that included the official lighting of the community tree.
For a suggested $20 per light donation to the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice, a light was placed on the tree by city of Winnemucca crews in honor of each loved one.
After the ceremony, community residents enjoyed caroling on the convention lawn.
Humboldt Volunteer Hospice Executive Director Sherry Smith called the ceremony touching and beautiful.
"We are so grateful to everyone who had a part in making this annual memorial tree such a special event for our community," said Smith.
She noted the special efforts of Mayor Di An Putnam, Pastor Gayle Basten of the United Methodist Church of Winnemucca, Grass Valley Baptist Church, C.B. Brown, Western States Propane, Hoss Disposal, city of Winnemucca, Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority, Humboldt County Chamber of Commerce, Harry L. House, Lonnie and Kelly Malan, Dawn Principe, Mitch Munger, Jim Glasgow, Joan Clemison, Debi Tiske, FFA kids, Humboldt Volunteer Hospice volunteers as well as all those who supported the now-annual fundraiser through their participation.
"All their special contributions truly helped make the 'Lights of Love' a community celebration of cherished memories," said Smith.
"More important," she added, "it helped us raise more money to help our community's residents."
Smith said the new community tradition will continue in December 2014.
The Humboldt Volunteer Hospice is committed to honoring and supporting individuals in the Humboldt County community who are suffering from a chronic, debilitating or terminal illness. All hospice care is provided at no cost to patients. Families do not need a doctor's referral in order to access hospice services.
For more information on the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice, please contact HVH Executive Director Sherry Smith at (775) 625-4263.
The nonprofit also operates the Frugal Flamingo Thrift Store, located at 720 E. Fourth St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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