Lehigh Valley Health Network–Pocono Foundation Hosts 33rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

The 33rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono. Over the past 33 years, the Holiday Tree Lighting has evolved to be the premier holiday event in the community. This longstanding 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 $205,000 has been raised through this annual event.

This year, $14,000 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 bring holiday cheer and present the checks.

• Church of Saint Matthew
• Family Promise of the Poconos
• Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia
• Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network
• Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH)
• Salvation Army–East Stroudsburg Corps
• The Garden of Giving
• Melon’s Gift
• Pocono Environmental Education Center
• Pocono Services for Families and Children
• Safe Monroe
• Youth Infusion Inc.
• Feeding Families Ministry
• Nurse-Family Partnership

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 and hot chocolate.