Lehigh Valley Health Network–Pocono Foundation Hosts 31st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

The 31st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting was held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono. Over the past 30 years, the Holiday Tree Lighting has evolved to be the premier holiday event in the community. This long-standing partnership between the Rotary Club of the Smithfields and Lehigh Valley Health Network–Pocono Foundation raises funds to benefit local nonprofit agencies whose programs serve the needs of children in Monroe County. To date, more than $175,000 has been raised through this annual event.

This year, $11,500 in grants was awarded to 14 community nonprofit agencies for items such as coats, boots, pajamas, healthy food, school supplies and health programming. Santa Claus arrived just in time to present the checks and hand out candy canes. 

Agencies that received funding included:

• Family Promise of Monroe County
• Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia
• Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network
• Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH)
• Salvation Army–East Stroudsburg Corps
• Sights for Hope
• Boy Scouts of America–Minsi Trails Council
• East Stroudsburg University Foundation
• Equi-librium Inc.
• Garden of Giving
• Melon’s Gift
• Pocono Environmental Education Center
• Pocono Services for Families and Children
• Youth Infusion Inc.

In addition to the grant award celebration, the festive evening showcased musical performances from various local school choirs and bands.

At the conclusion of the performances, the children helped Santa to light the Christmas tree outside the Hughes Cancer Center while the crowd enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider.