GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Gladstone-Rapid River Kiwanis Club is preparing for an annual Christmas tradition.
The club will light its Tree of Remembrance and Honor at the Gladstone Beach House on Sunday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m. Right now, community members can purchase lights in memory or in recognition of a loved one.
“I think it’s been about eight years that we’ve been doing this,” said Kiwanis Club President Alan Stotz. “We actually started with a real tree but ended up with squirrels that ate through the lights, so the City’s been kind enough to let us use their flagpole as our tree.”
Lights cost $5 each or $10 for three. The proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for Key Club students in Gladstone and Rapid River.
“I think it is important at Christmas time to remember the people that have had a tremendous influence on our lives,” Stotz said. “It’s nice to give people an opportunity to reflect on those folks. I think we’d probably do it even if we had to do it for free. It just is kind of a pretty thing to do down at the park for Christmas.”
Lights can be purchased by scanning the QR codes posted at the beach house and at Pat’s Foods. Paper order forms are available at Gladstone’s City Hall and library. A digital download of the form can be found at gladstonekiwanis.weebly.com. The public is encouraged to attend the tree lighting.
The Gladstone-Rapid River Kiwanis Club is always welcoming new members. The group meets on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.
