By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Show a family member or friend you care by helping the Lakeland Auxiliary Pawating light the 2005 “Midge Tyler Tree of Love.”
Eleven years ago, an exciting project was created by the hospital auxilary to honor loved ones during the holiday season.
Community members can honor or remember a loved one by sponsoring a light on the Lakeland Niles Midge Tyler Tree of Love, with a donation of $5 or more. Donations will be accepted throughout the month of December.
A scroll of love, listing the names of those recognized, will be displayed in the lobby of the hospital.
The response to the lighting of the Midge Tyler Tree of Love over the past 11 years from the community has been wonderful, Tyler said. “It means a lot for people to have a light lit in memory or to honor someone,” Tyler added.
The auxiliary will send a card acknowledging your gift to the person honored or to the family of the deceased, along with an invitation to the tree-lighting ceremony, which is being held on at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, outside the main entrance of the hospital in Niles..
Ed Steinke, a Lakeland employee, has helped to light the tree for the past 11 years.
Any donations made at tax-deductible and will help the Auxiliary to purchase a camera with a microscope for cataract surgeries.
Additional funds raised will be used for further capital requests.
To participate contact the Lakeland Auxiliary Pawating at (269) 687-1433. The “Midge Tyler Tree of Love” will shine throughout the holiday season.