EAST STROUDSBURG - Pocono Medical Center and the Rotary Club of the Smithfields are partnering to brighten the holiday season with the 18th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:15 pm on Tuesday, December 1 outside the D Wing entrance of Pocono Medical Center.  This year’s celebration will feature caroling by area schools students, ornaments decorated by area Girl Scouts, food and refreshments, grant presentations to local children-focused United Way community agencies, and of course, an opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.

The Pocono Health Foundation will award $7,000 in grants to six different United Way agencies that provide programs for children in our community.  The Foundation’s Grant Committee selected this year’s recipients based on need, determined by a formal grant submission and review process.  Last year’s recipients include the American Red Cross of Monroe County, The Follow Me Foundation, Pocono Services for Families and Children, and Equi-librium.  Sue Reynolds, director of The Follow Me Foundation comments, “We have been very fortunate to receive very generous grants for the past few years and these grants have truly been a blessing as we work to address the growing concern of childhood obesity.  We are very grateful as are the children we serve.” 

Grant funds are raised by the Pocono Health Foundation and the Rotary Club of the Smithfields through the sale of red, white, and green bulbs purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one.  The bulbs can be purchased by calling the Pocono Health Foundation at (570) 476-3530.