Shirley Copeland called the hospital auxiliary’s Love Light program, “probably the most important thing that we do” other than daily tasks at Fannin Regional Hospital.
Copeland, who is the hospital auxiliary president, spoke those words to the group gathered for the annual lighting of the Love Light tree Tuesday, December 7.
The tree stands at the main entrance to Fannin Regional Hospital. The brightly colored bulbs that adorn it represent donations to the auxiliary in honor or in memory of loved ones. Those donations are used to provide scholarships to students pursuing their education in health care fields.
Copeland said the goal of the program is to provide a total of four scholarships, three valued at $1,000 and a fourth at $500.
Copeland looked back over the year, noting some of the challenges COVID-19 had presented and the changes it had caused.
She noted that two years ago the Love Light tree was dedicated to long-time auxiliary member Sarah Lanning, and this year marked Sarah’s passing.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jason Jones talked about the importance of the Love Light-generated scholarships.
He told how a similar program helped him through nursing school. “Support means a lot” to students when it comes from the community and friends, he said.
Rev. Chris Clark of Epworth First Baptist Church led the devotional for the event.
He talked of the “amazing gift” Jesus Christ gave, a gift that should be celebrated during Christmas. Christ’s holiness becomes ours’ and our brokenness becomes His when we accept His gift, Clark said.