Warren Memorial Auxiliary Gears Up for Annual Celebration of Lights

For more than 40 years, the Celebration of Lights at Warren Memorial Hospital has offered families and friends a way to honor or remember loved ones while supporting local healthcare. This year’s lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 4, at 5:00 p.m. at the hospital campus and will include music, hot chocolate, and a chance to reflect on those we care about.

The event is organized by the Warren Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, a team of dedicated volunteers who donate time, energy, and heart to the hospital. Auxiliary members Kathy Gilliam (President), Boo Campbell (Gift Shop Chair), and Denise Brown (Celebration of Lights Chair) shared more about the program during a recent interview.

“It began back in 1982 at the old hospital,” said Campbell. “It started with one tree and has continued every year since. When we moved to the new campus, the tradition moved with us—and thanks to our engineering team and Larry Thompson, we now have a beautiful tree that can be seen from across the hill.”

The Celebration of Lights allows individuals to donate $5 or more to place a light on the tree in honor or memory of someone special. Donors receive a confirmation letter, and so does the person being honored (or their family). This year, for the first time, donations can be made online using a QR code or link included in a mailed letter or pamphlet. Donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of proceeds support Auxiliary projects.

“We used to keep it open-ended, but this year we set a $5 minimum,” explained Brown. “Many people still donate much more—sometimes honoring 10 or more loved ones.”

The ceremony on December 4 will include performances by the E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School Chorus and the Front Royal United Methodist Church Choir. The lights will officially turn on during the program, led by hospital President Jennifer Coello, and refreshments will follow in the hospital lobby.

While the tree lights are symbolic, the event’s real impact goes deeper. “One of our major uses for the money raised is scholarships for local high school seniors going into healthcare,” said Gilliam. “We used to give $1,000 to one student each at Skyline and Warren County High School, but this year we increased it to $1,500 per student.”

Past funds from Celebration of Lights have also supported hospital services, including outpatient room improvements, the Lifeline program, and, most recently, a volunteer-operated shuttle that transports patients and visitors from the parking lot to the main hospital entrance.

“The shuttle makes a big difference, especially for people with mobility issues,” said Campbell. “It runs from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for now, but with more volunteers, we hope to expand.”

That’s why the Auxiliary is also using this season to encourage new volunteers to step forward. Currently, 40 volunteers actively serve in areas such as the gift shop, information desks, transport, and patient support, contributing over 5,700 hours so far this year. More than two dozen applications are currently being processed.

Volunteers receive training, a complimentary meal during shifts, and the satisfaction of helping others. “We’re always looking for friendly, dependable people,” said Gilliam. “And you don’t need a special license to drive the shuttle—just a clean driving record!”

Whether through service or a small donation, the Auxiliary hopes the Celebration of Lights continues to bring comfort and connection to the Warren County community. “This isn’t just about raising money,” said Brown. “It’s about remembering people we love and lighting up the season with hope.”

How to Donate or Volunteer:

• To dedicate a light: call 540-536-6939 or visit the hospital website (a QR code is available in printed materials).
• To volunteer: Apply online or call the hospital’s Volunteer Services office.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony:
  📅 Thursday, December 4
  🕔 5:00 p.m.
  📍 Warren Memorial Hospital campus
  🎶 Music, cocoa, and community warmth included.