Friends and families gathered with loved ones to celebrate the Love Lights tradition at Iola Living Assistance (ILA).
Each shining bulb on the Christmas tree in front of the nursing facility was lit to remember or honor someone special.
The list of people honored or remembered by Love Lights was read.
The Hitterdahl Community Choir performed several traditional Christmas carols and then led a sing-along. The choir was directed by Lola May Dalland and accompanied by pianist Hannah Gutho.
Employees and friends donated baked goods for a bake sale, which was run by volunteers Kathy Beyersdorf and Marie Malone.
“We are sharing the Christmas cheer and raising money to improve the lives of our residents,” said Beyersdorf, who has been employed in the ILA housekeeping department for 27 years, Malone has worked in housekeeping and as a cook for the past 44 years.
“This is always a nice celebration for the community,” said Deb Domask, who joined her father, Alf Syvertsen, for the event. “We are fortunate to have a nursing home in our community and this is a great way to raise funds for items needed for the residents.”
“We extend appreciation to the staff for all they do each and every day for the residents and their families,” Domask said.
All proceeds from the Love Lights help support the ILA Wish List Foundation. So far this year, a total of $3,300 has been raised from the event.
“We usually raise about $5,000,” said ILA Administrator Greg Loeser. “All of the funds are used for things that directly benefit the nursing facility.”
This year the Wish List goal is to purchase specialized resident care equipment to enhance the facility’s “home-like” environment.