Share the Joy This Season

Honoring Loved Ones and Spreading Holiday Cheer

As part of its celebration of the holiday season, Ozarks Healthcare held its annual tree lighting ceremony, Lights of Life, on December 9. In addition to being a symbol of Christmas, the tree is also a way for people to honor someone with each light, said Josh Reeves OZH’s vice president of development and advocacy. 

“We've turned this into a way to honor a loved one or remember somebody that's no longer with us,” he said. “We light the tree, and we have a big banner with all the names of the people that we're remembering and honoring. All the staff come out, people from the community come; it’s a very sweet, even emotional ceremony. It’s really become an important annual part of our tradition to have this.”

The tree, which can be viewed in the hospital lobby, will stay up through the first of the year. It is also not too late to purchase a light to honor or remember someone. 

“We can keep adding lights and buying ornaments all the way up until we take the tree down,” Reeves said, directing those interested to the organization’s website, ozarkshealthcare.com, or to call the foundation at (417) 853-5200 for more information.

Reeves also reminded people that with the end of the year fast approaching to remember to complete their charitable giving for 2024 and to consider the hospital foundation in those plans. 

“There are significant tax benefits to giving and we remind everyone to visit with their tax professional to complete their year-end contributions,” he said. “While they’re doing that, we also want to remind people who are passionate about health care or passionate about their local community that there's lots of ways that they can give to the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation and every dollar stays directly in West Plains. 

“Our foundation is not as large as some and like many nonprofits, more than 50 percent of our regular contributions come in the last month of the year. Year-end is a pretty significant time for us, and we encourage everyone to consider making a donation to help us fund the excellent level of care we provide in our service area.”

Ozarks Healthcare wishes one and all a joyful holiday and a happy and healthy new year.