The annual Cherokee County Love Lights program sponsored by the Cherokee Medical Center Auxiliary was held Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. in the main entrance of the hospital to honor and memorialize those who have passed away.

Theresa Frye, President of the CMC Auxiliary opened up the program and introduced Patrick Trammell, the hospitals CEO.

Trammell greeted those gathered and thanked them for coming and being a part. Pastor Jerry L. Scruggs came forth and gave the Invocation.

Frye then told of all the things the CMC Auxiliary do doing the year to help out the hospital, such as fundraisers.

The monies raised go towards the hospital, The Child Advocacy Program, and also three $1,000.00 scholarships to high school students entering the medical field.

This years recipients were Brianna Owens (Gadsden State College) Chelsea Lands (Northeast Alabama Community College) and Megan Bing (Shorter University). Next year’s scholarship will be raised to $1,500.

Special thanks was given to Patrick Trammell for support of the Love Lights and Volunteer Program, Anne Shumaker for promoting the Love Lights Program through her newspaper articles, and Sandra Carroll who is the Cherokee Medical Center Administrator.

Also special thanks to all the chaplains associated with the hospital. George W. Cobb, Keith Day, Wendell Dutton, Gregory Higgins, Lynn Hugheston, B.J. Price, Tommy Price, William Richardson, Melvin Salter, and Jerry L. Scruggs.

Special music was provided by Lana Evans who sang “O Holy Night” and Brenda Loveless with “Mary Did You Know”. Then Loveless led the audience in several Christmas carols.

Leslie Harp, Marketing Director was then invited around to speak to the audience and spoke of how much she appreciated the volunteers of Cherokee Medical.

Harp stated “This hospital wouldn’t run without our volunteers. Our volunteers deliver trays, help patients, deliver that smile, and offer warmth and compassion, and that first impression that is so important for patient and family members.”

Frye recognized all the volunteers that were there and then told of the lighting of the tree.

All eyes turned to see the beautiful tree out front of the hospital as it was lit for the first time this Christmas season.

Helen Walker and her staff then provided refreshments in the cafeteria for all who attended the beautiful ceremony.