Akron Children’s Women’s Board celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Children’s Tree of Lights

11-01-2023 (Akron, Ohio )

Akron Children’s Perkins Square Park will light up again this year with thousands of blue and white lights on Friday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. as the Akron Children’s Women’s Board kicks off the holiday season at the annual Children’s Tree of Lights ceremony.

The hospital and Women’s Board are celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Children’s Tree of Lights. The ceremony was created in 1994 when then-active board member Nancy Heslop had the idea for a live lighted tree holiday celebration.

“I knew it would probably change and evolve through the years as each chair put her own stamp on it, but I always thought it would remain a hit,” said Heslop.

This year’s tree lighting ceremony will be streamed live into patient rooms for the first time so patients who are unable to leave their rooms can still participate.

“This holiday tradition spreads joy to Akron Children's patients, families and staff,” said this year’s chairwoman, Joanne Felden. “The lit tree, with the hospital's Bambino symbol on top, helps to strengthen our faith and hope for better days ahead. The Bambino represents all the children served by our hospital.”

Lights on the Children’s Tree are sold individually or by the string and can be purchased in amounts ranging from $10 to $100. Donations are also accepted. Visit akronchildrens.org/childrenstree for details. To purchase lights or make a donation, visit this link. The deadline to purchase lights is Nov. 17.

This year’s Bambino tree topper is sponsored by associate Women’s Board member Marcia Holcomb, in honor and loving memory of her late husband, Judge John E. Holcomb (1948-2018).

The ceremony will take place in the hospital’s new Rehabilitative Services space on the second floor (ground level), accessible by the entrance at 215 W. Bowery St. Akron Children’s President and CEO Chris Gessner will read “’The Night Before Christmas,” and Hudson High School’s Vocal Impact choir and the Oak Hill Ringers bell choir from Oak Hill Presbyterian Church in Akron will perform. The public is welcome to attend.