Good Samaritan Hospice celebrates the lives of loved ones each year through its annual “Love Light Tree” program.  The Love Light Trees represent remembrances of those who are no longer here.  The program supports end-of-life care in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Beginning mid-November, Love Light Trees will be located in the Tanglewood and New River Valley malls.  Each branch on the trees will hold the name of someone who is being remembered or honored.

“By participating in the Love Light Tree program you will not only light up the holidays for someone you love, you will also help Good Sam to light up the holidays for a terminally ill person in our community,” said Cindy Hagerman, Director of Community Relations.  “Anyone can participate.  It’s an opportunity to help those who need hospice care, as well as remember and recognize the special people in your own life.”

For a donation of $10, a “love light” will be placed on the tree of your choice.  That person’s name remains on the tree throughout the holiday season, representing the light that person has brought into the world.  For a donation of $25, individuals receive a hand-made porcelain ornament to keep or to have sent to someone as a gift, a reminder that their loved one is being thought of during the holidays.

All donations are tax-deductible and allow Good Sam to continue to provide hospice care and grief support programs throughout Roanoke and New River Valleys and Smith Mountain Lake.  Good Sam is the only not-for-profit, community-based hospice in the area, and maintains the belief that anyone who qualifies and desires hospice care should receive that care, regardless of ability to pay.  Memorial gifts, grants and programs like “Love Light Tree” insure Good Sam’s commitment to this belief.

Donation forms are available at either mall or by calling Good Sam at 776-0198 (Rke); 381-3171 (NRV). Downloadable forms are available at www.goodsamhospice.org.

The Love Light Trees will be officially lit Tuesday, December 4 at 10 a.m. (Tanglewood Mall) and Wednesday, December 5 at 10 a.m. (NRV Mall) during a remembrance ceremony, including music and refreshments.  The public is invited.

Hospice is a philosophy of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. A team of professionals and trained volunteers offer care and comfort to patients and their families when a cure is no longer possible. Fully covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, hospice services are available at home or in a facility.

Submitted by Cindy Hagerman, Director of Community Relations/Development, Good Samaritan Hospice