Lovelight Tree helps the elderly of LaGrange | News

submitted by Maria Iampietro

For more than 20 years, the West Georgia Health Auxiliary has sponsored the Lovelight Tree, an annual fundraiser that offers free Lifeline emergency response systems to local residents who need the service but cannot afford the monthly fee.

“The comfort and security of knowing you’re safe, especially when you live alone and are elderly, is something so invaluable to our subscribers,” said Brooksie DeLoach, Lifeline coordinator for the LaGrange area.

This service gives elderly subscribers independence and the ability to continue to live on their own with the security of knowing that if they fall down or need help, they will have immediate assistance. Beneficiaries of Lovelight must meet certain requirements to quality for the program.

Currently, proceeds from the Lovelight program support 16 Lifeline units, and West Georgia Health Auxiliary has several clients on a waiting list for a donation unit. The goal each year is to support 20 subscribers, but for the past several years it has fallen to between 14 and 16, DeLoach said.

Donations of $5 and more are given in memory of a loved one or in honor of a person who has in some way enriched another person’s life.  Each donation is recognized with an ornament on the Lovelight Tree in the lobby of the South Tower at West Georgia Health, as well as a printed acknowledgement in the LaGrange Daily News.

“This program benefits so many of our elderly citizens, who could not otherwise afford this service,” Deloach said.

Donors of $35 or more will receive a Demdaco Angel, available at Expressions from the Heart hospital gift shop. Please make checks payable to Lovelight and send to West Georgia Health, c/o Volunteer Services,1514 Vernon Road, LaGrange, GA  30240.

“We truly appreciate the support of the individuals who help make the Lovelight tree a success year after year by helping our local residents,” said Jean Cook, director of WGH Volunteer and Community Services who oversees the WGH Auxiliary and Lovelight program.

Click here to download the Lovelight Tree ornament donation form.

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