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Akron Children’s hosts annual tree lighting
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Ashleigh Turner (left) stayed completely still as she had her face painted on Dec. 8. Ashleigh's mom, Jennifer Turner, said her daughter received excellent care at Akron Children's Hospital this year and that her family will continue to attend hospital events to show their appreciation.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Brady Casey asked for a Wii from Santa Claus on Dec. 8.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Mia Munholand (left) and Gianna Guerriera enjoyed doing crafts at the tree lighting event, including icing a delicious sugar cookie together.
By SARAH FOOR
The officials at Akron Children’s Hospital provide excellent care for area kids in hopes that they’ll enjoy many Christmases in their lifetime.
The facility’s “A Children’s Holiday” event on Dec. 8 invited former patients and community members to visit the hospital to enjoy a Christmas tree lighting and fun events.
The festivities began at a tall pine tree outside of the hospital’s building C. President and CEO William Considine spoke the crowds and thanked the community for a great year.
“We’re so happy to have the children and families of the Mahoning Valley as part of our family at the hospital,” Considine shared.
Former patients joined hands around the tree and led a rendition of “Jingle Bells” as the lights were plugged in. Guests then followed Santa Claus inside the hospital to share their wishes with the man in red.
Development director JoAnn Stock said the hospital is proud that the event, now in its third year, has become a tradition for area families.
“It’s such a joyful time here at the facility. At a hospital for kids, Christmas is absolutely our favorite holiday,” Stock said.
Inside the hospital, guests drank hot chocolate and munched on sugar cookies. Kids enjoyed activities like decorating cookies, coloring, face painting, crafting gingerbread ornaments and mixing oatmeal and glitter to make “reindeer food.”
Jennifer Turner enjoyed the event with her daughter, Ashleigh.
“Ashleigh went through a health scare this year and everyone at Akron Children’s was completely amazing through it. For our family, Ashleigh’s good health makes this a really great Christmas,” Turner said.