In front, Lisa Lyon, executive director, of The Relief Zone Youth Center, places a gold star on top of a sponsored Christmas Tree that will be lit during the Christmas Tree Memorial Event and Christmas Tree Light Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. Submitted photo

FREWSBURG — The Relief Zone Youth Center will host its annual Christmas Tree Memorial Event on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. to honor the community’s loved ones. Patrons can sponsor a large lit Christmas tree for $50 in memory or honor of a loved one or a small tree for $25.

Christmas tree sponsorships are tax-deductible and benefit The Relief Zone Endowment Fund, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

This year, TRZ will host its inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the front lawn of TRZ at 5 Frew Run St. The public is invited to the free holiday event. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. All sponsored trees will be lit during the opening ceremony.

A gold personalized star on top of the tree will bear the name of the loved one, and the sponsored loved one will be personally acknowledged during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony program. All sponsored Christmas trees remain lit on the grounds of TRZ during the 2018 holiday season.

Attendees will also enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus and a “Real-Life” Elf On The Shelf as well as listen to traditional and popular holiday tunes.

“Our inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is a great way to usher in the holiday season,” said Lisa Lyon, executive director, of The Relief Zone Youth Center. “We have many families and businesses who sponsor a Christmas tree year after year in memory of their loved one. We are truly grateful for the generous support of our patrons and community. Our Youth Center is a community treasurer and we encourage parents, their children, sponsors, neighbors, and friends to join us in celebration of their loved ones and the spirit of the holiday season.”

Christmas tree sponsorships are tax-deductible and benefit The Relief Zone Endowment Fund, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The fund was established in August of 2008 when the Board of Directors recognized that the Center necessitated a long-range financial plan to sustain The Relief Zone. The active endowment fund provides an annual return based on the size of the fund. The purpose of the endowment fund is to support the charitable efforts of The Relief Zone and its impact on the Town of Carroll’s youth and families now and into the future.

“This vital endowment is a gift that keeps on giving,” Lyon said. “An endowment gift is permanently invested toward growth, income, and sustainability of TRZ’s future. By sponsoring a Christmas tree or giving to the Endowment fund, donors truly make an indelible difference in the future of our Center and a fundamental investment in our children’s future.”

The Relief Zone is a nonprofit organization, enthusiastically serving the community since 2000. To learn more about the countless ways your donation reinforces TRZ’s mission, visit our website at thereliefzone.org or call The Relief Zone at 569-2614.