Hospice of San Joaquin prepares for Tree of Lights ceremonies

For nearly three decades, hundreds of people have purchased Christmas tree lights from the Hospice of San Joaquin in honor or memory of their loved ones.

This year, the nonprofit has a goal of raising $60,000 combined for the Lodi and Lockeford Tree of Lights ceremonies, which would top last year’s total of $55,296.

According to Julissa Moreno, multimedia coordinator for the event, the proceeds raised from the ceremonies will be unrestricted funds and will support the agency’s programs of nursing care and bereavement services for terminally ill patients and their families.

The Lodi Tree of Lights ceremony will be held on Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. outside City Hall. The ceremony will be held prior to the annual Parade of Lights. Hospice of San Joaquin Board Member Donna Kane will be the keynote speaker for the event.

Children had the opportunity to participate in a Christmas tree art contest, and the winner will have their work published in the program for the ceremony and will also be recognized during the event.

Esmeralda Tadrera Bustos, a second-grader at Joe Serna Charter, is the winner for the Lodi ceremony.

The Lockeford Tree of Lights ceremony will be held on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Bank of the West. A craft fair will be held prior to and following the ceremony. During the fair there will be raffles along with family events. The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Hospice of San Joaquin board member Gary Spaugh. Emily DeNigris, a sixth-grader at Lockeford Elementary, will be recognized as the winner of the Christmas tree art contest.

Between the two ceremonies last year, there were 1,114 lights on both trees combined. So far this year, 1,089 lights will be on the tree in Lodi and 177 lights will be on the tree in Lockeford. Those wishing to purchase a light will have the choice of various colors. Each color has a certain donation amount ranging from $5 to $500. A treetop light is available for a $1,000 donation.

Hospice of San Joaquin holds a tree lighting ceremony at a total of eight locations throughout the holiday season. Locations include Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Lockeford, Tracy, Rio Vista, Ripon and Escalon.

“It’s a community tradition that we’ve had for about 20 years. With this tradition we’re able to remember and

honor family and friends that have passed away and that we kind of just want to recognize and celebrate their life,” Moreno said.

Hospice of San Joaquin provides comprehensive and compassionate medical care, counseling and support to terminally ill patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay.

People can still donate and purchase a light through the end of the year.