Events Around Town
Holiday Lights Help Make a Home
By Carrie Waller
“Home for the holidays.” It’s an age-old phrase that marks the season with thoughts of warmth and comfort. Perhaps no other time during the year are those yearnings for home quite so strong.
Yet there are times when “home for the holidays” can mean something different, unexpected, or even scary. For the families finding refuge in Roanoke’s Ronald McDonald House this Christmas, the word “home” might be accompanied by bittersweet longing. Yet, despite the unexpected struggles and uncertainty, hope and comfort are within reach.
”Ronald McDonald House has always been referred to as ‘the House that Love Built,’” said Laney Mofield, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia. When the life of a child is disrupted by illness or injury, the livelihood of those supporting them is inevitably shaken. The Ronald McDonald House was created to provide those in need with a home away from home, to settle into a healthy routine as close to “normal” as possible while dealing with a child’s illness or medical situation.
This holiday season, the house is hosting its annual “Lights of Love” event, which accepts donations to illuminate lights on their holiday tree to glow throughout December. Lights are $5 each, and can be lit in honor and acknowledgement of a certain individual.
“Lights of Love is a wonderful opportunity to remember or honor a loved one, and assist families who find a home at Ronald McDonald House,” said Mofield.
Although Mofield emphasized that no one is turned away for the inability to pay, she explained that the actual cost for a family to stay is close to $90 each night. “The proceeds from Lights of Love help defray those expenses,” Mofield said.
Yet beyond the financial assistance the event provides, Lights of Love remains, at its core, an event meant to spotlight the important, caring individuals in life who deserve a little recognition this time of year.
This year’s Lights of Love event will be held Sunday, December 2 at 6 p.m., and the community is invited and welcome to enjoy this ceremonial kick-off to the Christmas season. To purchase lights for the event, and to learn more about this wonderful cause, visit their website at www.rmhc-swva.org.
Home and Garden Show Offers Something For Everyone
Join Roanoke Valley HOME for all the best in home and garden improvement, design and more at the Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show, to be held January 11-13 at the Roanoke Civic Center. This fun-filled, information-packed event offers something for everyone!
Enjoy one-stop shopping: Check out incredible gardens, landscapes and water features, the latest trends in kitchens and baths, and a complete home improvement alley featuring building and remodeling experts…all in one place! It’s everything for your home and garden—even a huge plant sale.
Save money: Take advantage of “show only” discounts and pricing, compare prices, talk with experts and attend free DIY seminars. This is your chance to eliminate the middleman and buy directly from the source.
Have fun: Shop ‘til you drop for the latest in home accessories in the Art, Gift and Gourmet Center. Enjoy complimentary wine tastings. Bring home your next pet with live pet adoptions. Bring the kids for interactive activities in the Kid Zone.
So much to see and do—you can’t do it all in one day! Pay once and come back all weekend. Free parking! Visit www.ShowTechnology.com for more information, or to exhibit call (877) 663-6186.
