Hospice of Hilo is celebrating the holiday season by lighting up the Trees of Remembrance at its 24th annual Light Up a Life.
Hospice of Hilo is celebrating the holiday season by lighting up the Trees of Remembrance at its 24th annual Light Up a Life.
The trees are at the two entrances of Macy’s at the Prince Kuhio Mall from 10 a.m.-8 p.m through Dec. 24.
“Everyone is invited to place a commemorative ornament with the name of a loved one on the tree. The ornaments are a very meaningful way to pay tribute to those we remember and love,” said Hospice of Hilo Spokeswoman An Umamoto.
This year, Hospice of Hilo asked the Kuwaye Family to do the honor of placing the first ornament of the season on the tree in memory of Yasuo Kuwaye, who received hospice services.
“We feel real special to be asked to be the first family and so thankful to have had Hospice of Hilo’s services,” said wife Anako Kuwaye.
The Kuwaye family, which included daughter Frances Chow, son Wayne Kuwaye, daughter-in-law Carol Kuwaye, sister Sue Toyama and wife Anako Kuwaye, gathered around Hospice of Hilo Chaplain Phillip Jones as a he led them in a short memorial commemorating the life of Yasuo Kuwaye.
Light Up a Life is a community event raising funds for Hospice of Hilo’s programs. There is a suggested $10 donation for creating and hanging an ornament, however, no one will be denied the opportunity to honor a loved one.
For more information about Light Up a Life or any of Hospice of Hilo’s programs, call 969-1733.