Hilo, HAWAII — Hospice of Hilo is inviting the community to participate in the 19th Annual "Light Up A Life" commemoration to honor family and friends who have passed away.

Each holiday season since 1990 Hospice of Hilo has presented its hallmark "Light Up A Life" event, offering the public a way to remember loved ones who have passed away, according to a news release.

Members of the community are invited to visit one of the Trees of Remembrance, located at the two inside mall entrances of Macy's Prince Kuhio Plaza, to hang an ornament bearing the name of a friend or family member who has died. The displays will be open every day, during mall hours, now through Dec. 24. Community volunteers are available daily to help others share remembrance and celebrate life.

Hospice exists to affirm life by providing compassionate support and care to those with a life-limiting illness so they can live as fully and comfortably as possible, event organizers said. Each year one family that has been served by the hospice program is invited to hang the first ornaments of the season. This year the family of Marcellina Wong honored her memory with special ornaments donated by Audrey Fujimoto.

"Our community is wonderfully supportive of Hospice of Hilo, not only through Light Up A Life, but year round. During the holidays, we are pleased to be able to offer these commemorative ornaments which provide a meaningful way to pay tribute to those we remember and love," said Brenda Ho, Executive Director of Hospice of Hilo. "The ornaments provide a symbolic connection with our loved ones and a reminder that they are alive in our hearts."

Anyone may place a commemorative ornament on a Hospice Tree of Remembrance. Ornaments are available at the information tables adjacent to the trees. A donation of $10 is suggested, although none is required. Donations will be used to directly benefit hospice patients and their families, helping to provide compassionate care for our community.

For more information about Light Up A Life, please contact Pearl Lyman, at 969-1733 or by email at pearl@hospiceofhilo.org .