Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Shines Lights of Love

LATROBE, PA, October 28, 2024 … The Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society (LAHAS) continues the Lights of Love holiday tradition in 2024, with donations accepted for this special event which honors and memorializes loved ones.

This year marks the 37^th year of trimming an exterior tree near the main entrance of Independence Health Latrobe Hospital, with each light a reminder of loved ones. The event began in 1988 and has remembered or honored more than 32,000 loved ones and raised more than $250,000 to benefit Latrobe Hospital patients and programs.

Each sparkling light on the outdoor evergreen at the main entrance of the hospital will represent a person who has been remembered or honored. The tree will be illuminated at the conclusion of Light Up Night to be held 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in the Robindale Auditorium, 1501 Ligonier Street, Latrobe. The public is invited. The event will include holiday music, the Ceremony of Remembrance and Honor, live streaming of the Lights of Love tree illumination, and light refreshments.

For a suggested $8 per name, individuals can remember and honor the family members and friends who impacted their life but have passed away. Donations also can honor the people who bring meaning and joy to the contributor’s life now.

There are several ways to participate. Individuals may donate by credit card at bit.ly/lahaslove or on Facebook by searching Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society and scrolling to find the Lights of Love link.

Contributors may mail a completed Lights of Love brochure along with a check made payable to Lights of Love, LAHAS, Latrobe Hospital, One Mellon Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. Brochures are available at Independence Health System’s Latrobe Hospital and The Square at Latrobe; Adams Memorial Library; Fresenius Kidney Care, Latrobe; Frederick Funeral Home; Hartman-Graziano Funeral Home; Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home; Latrobe Senior Center, Avenue C; Studio 30 Hair Graphics; Westmoreland Federal Savings, and Wigs ‘N More. Brochures can be downloaded at independence.health/lightsoflove. Individuals who wish a pre-printed brochure or LAHAS membership application also may call 724-537-1733.

Gifts are welcome through year’s end and donors may designate people to whom the auxiliary will send or email Lights of Love acknowledgement cards. Donations postmarked by November 27 will appear in the initial online honor roll booklet. Those donations received after that date will be included in an honor roll addendum posted later in the holiday season.

Lights of Love is one of many community outreach activities initiated by LAHAS, whose mission is to support the hospital and the communities it serves through education, fundraising and volunteer service.