Please click the link below to subscribe to a FREE PDF version of each print edition of the Niagara Reporter

http://eepurl.com/dnsYM9

By: Brendan McDonough

Reporter for North Tonawanda

A sea of lights filled the sky in North Tonawanda Monday, December 3rd, outside of North Tonawanda High School as members of the district held their annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.

It is the fourth year they have held the event. Together with City officials, students, families and teachers gathered together to light the tree and the hearts of residents who came out to see it.

“The tree lighting is something that people all around here look forward to,” said Mayor Art Pappas. “It draws a lot of people and is another way of bringing the community together. You see people from the school district, parents and little ones. It is a great event to help ring the holidays.”

Inside the school they were celebrating the holidays and helping those in need. More than sixty trees were donated and will be auctioned off with all proceeds being donated to help local food pantries.

“Faculty members or departments can buy a tree for $20 and decorate it anyway they want,” said Greg Woytila, Superintendent of North Tonawanda Schools. “Then a silent auction takes place over the next two weeks and the proceeds go to a local charity. It is different every year. This year is the food pantry.”

The trees that are not auctioned off are donated to a local nursing home; helping to spread the true meaning of the holidays across North Tonawanda.

“What I really like is the fundraising that they are doing with all their small trees and the money going to the food pantries, that is what it is all about, it is about giving back,” said Alderman-At-Large Bob Pecoraro.

School officials say they intentionally put the holiday tree closer to the road so that all those who drive past 405 Meadow Drive can look and enjoy it.