Avita Health System’s Festival of Lights in Galion comes at a time when light is hope. And on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Galion hospital, families can celebrate someone who has been a source of light in their life or celebrate a special family event.
The Avita Health System Galion Hospital Auxiliary started the Festival of Lights nearly 30 years ago. The volunteers of the group wanted to offer an opportunity for passed loved ones to live on through the Festival of Lights.
At this annual event, community members are invited to partake in an evening of remembrance and family activities in honor of passed loved ones. The outside of the hospital is decorated with a sheen of Christmas lights, not forgetting the trees. The volunteers hang the lights and decorate the tree inside the lobby, which is filled with ornaments and lights that symbolize the lives of those who have passed.
There is also a festive atmosphere as children are invited to enjoy crafts, listen to a storyteller, and write letters to Santa. There will be entertainment as well.
“It always gives me a good feeling seeing the children when they come. They see the lights and they do the activities and are always filled with happiness,” shared Volunteer Coordinator Lori Brubach.
Community members can donate to the hospital auxiliary; $5 is suggested. Then the name of their honoree will be entered into a memorial book on display in the main lobby of the hospital and also placed on an ornament for the Memory Tree. Participating families are invited to the Festival of Lights.
The families are invited to the annual Festival of Lights event held at the Galion Community Hospital, now Galion’s Avita Health System. The event is held in the front lobby and is open to the public.
The donated money is used to invest in new equipment for the hospital.
Brubach said this year the volunteers wanted to expand on the festival’s craft-making activities. Last year was the first year they incorporated a crafts station and the children loved it. So this year, they will provide face painting, decorating paper Christmas trees, ornament making, and materials for writing letters to Santa.
The event will also feature caroling by the Galion High School’s choir. Additionally, special speakers include the CEO of Avita Health System. There will be reading of Christmas stories and light refreshments, as well.
“It’s just a good way to give back to the community. And you know, the volunteers (from the auxiliary group) are the best people in the world. They give completely of themselves and ask for nothing in return. They make me want to be a better person,” said Brubach.
For more information on how to donate, contact the hospital at 419-468-4841 or visit their website. The event will be held at Avita Health System Galion Hospital in the front lobby from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
