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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Santa Claus came to visit the guests at Akron Children's Hospital in Boardman for the tree lighting on Dec. 1.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Students from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity helped children decorate cookies during the tree lighting event at Akron's Children Hospital in Boardman on Dec. 1.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Students from Hitchcock Learn Center sang Christmas songs at the tree lighting at Akron's Children Hospital in Boardman on Dec. 1.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Clowns made balloon animals for guests at the tree lighting event at Akron's Children Hospital in Boardman on Dec. 1.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Students from Hitchcock Woods Learning Center circled around the tree at Akron Children's Hospital in Boardman as it lit up on Dec. 1.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.One of the children at the tree lighting at Akron Children's Hospital in Boardman on Dec. 1 met and talked to Santa Claus.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Akron’s Children Hospital in Boardman had their annual tree lighting on Dec. 1.
Hitchcock Woods Early Learning Center was part of this lighting and has been for the past seven years, ever since the event started. The students attend the event and sing Christmas carols before the lighting of the tree and when Santa Claus comes to visit.
“This is one of the many ways Hitchcock Woods Early Learning Center gives back to the community,” said owner Pattie Welsh.
After the Christmas caroling, everyone made their way outside to the tree. The students sang one more song and then the tree lit up and Santa came out. Santa walked around the tree and visited with the children.
Guests went back inside where they could enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, talk to Santa, play games and participate in other crafts. There were clowns making balloon animals for children, members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity helped decorate cookies and other volunteers passed out refreshments.
The annual tree lighting is a way to bring the Boardman community together to get into the holiday spirit.