The Glendale Kiwanis Club is again sponsoring the community’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at the Glendale Veterans Triangle at the intersection of Myrtle and Cooper avenues, but they need a little help to make the season bright.
This is the second year that the Kiwanis will be hosting the 50-year tradition since there is no longer a Glendale Chamber of Commerce, confirmed Joe Aiello, president of the Glendale Kiwanis Club. Over 300 kids and their families were on hand for last year’s event, and the Kiwanis is hoping for even more to show up this year.
The ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the corner of Myrtle and Cooper avenues, where the tree will be lit. There will also be festive holiday music from Joe Fuoco’s Music Center, dancers from a local dance school will perform, and of course, Santa Claus will be taking pictures with all of the children.
“Everyone should take part in the event,” Aiello said. “It really opens the Christmas and holiday feelings in Glendale. We are looking for donations though. We do need sponsorship. With the tree and the lights and everything, it costs almost $4,000.”
The Kiwanis Club will be purchasing a 20-foot tree the day after Thanksgiving, which will be installed at the Glendale Veterans Triangle that weekend, Aiello said.
There will also be hot chocolate donated from the Starbucks at the Atlas Mall, the Dunkin’ Donuts from the gas station at Myrtle and Cooper avenues and Graces Pizza. There will also be gifts for the children in attendance.
“Zum Stammtisch Restaurant plays a major part in this event and other local business owners,” Aiello said. “We are still looking for donations though. Those who give $100 or more will have their name or their company’s name put on a banner with all of our sponsors and will say, ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Thank You.’”
According to Aiello, donation checks can be made out to the Glendale Kiwanis Foundation and sent to Kueber Realty, 67-13 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, NY, 11385 or to the President of Glendale Kiwanis Club Joe Aiello, 69-16 68th Pl., Glendale NY, 11385.
All donations to the 501(c)3 organization are tax deductible.
“It brings everybody together, and the tree and lighting brings some inspiration to Glendale and to the community,” Aiello said of the tree lighting ceremony. “The holidays are here and they are about bringing happiness to the community, like the Kiwanis Club has been doing by serving the community for over 60 years.”
For more information on the event and how to donate, visit the Glendale Kiwanis Club.
