Last Tuesday, the Archbold Medical Center hosted this year’s annual lighting of the Tree of Lights, acting as a beacon for the community in remembering hospice care and benefiting Hospice of Southwest Georgia.

“We’re glad you could join us for this special occasion tonight,” Darcy Craven, president and CEO of the Archbold Medical Center, said. “As always this evening is the beginning of the holiday season at Archbold, it offers a celebration of life and remembrance. The tree itself serves as a symbol of hope and serenity during this busy time of year, it will be lit every evening at dusk, shining brightly in honor and remembrance of those who have been touched by the compassionate care of Hospice of Southwest Georgia.”

At the event, Vann Middleton, president of the Archbold Foundation and Greg Eiford, president and CEO of TC Federal Bank, spoke on the community support and efforts of the center.

“Hospice of Southwest Georgia is the oldest provider in our area and the market leader in the communities that we serve. Funding from the Tree of Lights helps support critical programs for our hospice families, special programs for our veterans, to recognize and honor their service to our grateful nation,” Middleton said. “Our annual Camp HEAL, which is a bereavement day camp that provides an outlet for children who have lost someone special in their life and our pet therapy program brings specially trained dogs into the life of our hospice family.”

After a performance of dances by the South Georgia Ballet from their annual production of “The Nutcracker,” Stacy Wheeler dedicated this year’s Tree of Lights to Rebecca Sanders, a recently passed member of the Archbold family.

“It’s especially meaningful that we are gathered here during this Christmas season to honor Rebecca Sanders with the lighting of the Tree of Lights. Rebecca had a profound and spiritual faith,” she said. “During her 20-plus years as a nurse practitioner, she provided care and support to residents all over Thomas County. Rebecca had a unique ability to help patients and let them know she cared so deeply about them. She truly provided holistic care for her patients.”

After Wheeler spoke, members of the Sanders’ family lit the Tree of Light, whereupon Santa visited and sat at the base of the Tree of Lights, with children lining up to sit on his lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.