The Trees of Lights campaign, the major annual fundraising effort for The Centra Southside Community Hospital Auxiliary, runs from Nov. 15 to Jan. 31 each year. Several trees are lit around the main entrance of the hospital this time. The campaign raises much-needed funds for equipment and programs for the community hospital.

The lights on the trees are given to honor a friend, family member, or leader of a favorite organization or charity. Lights are also given as memorials to loved ones or friends, especially during the holidays. For as little as $5, a light may be purchased.

The tree lighting ceremony will be held this year on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. in the hospital lobby. After a welcome by a hospital spokesperson, John Baldwin, pastor of Glenn Memorial Baptist Church, will give the invocation. Derwood Guthrie will give a brief history of the Tree of Lights program.

A musical program will be given by a quartet from Heritage Baptist Church and a group of fourth graders from Fuqua School, both accompanied by Jane Guthrie.

The official lighting of the trees will be held outside, followed by caroling and refreshments in the lobby.

The proceeds from this year's Trees of Light event will be used to purchase blanket warmers for the hospital.

“We are hoping for a good turnout from the community,” Jane Guthrie stated. “This is going to be a nice program, and it is for a good cause.”