Marilee Barthelemy (left) and Colleen Horn of the Mackinac Straits Hospital Auxiliary hang paper lights in the hallways at the hospital Wednesday, December 17, as part of the auxiliary's Lights of Love fundraiser. The annual Lights of Love remembrance is seeing increased participation this year, to the benefit of Long Term Care residents at Mackinac Straits Hospital and of the Hospital Auxiliary, which so far has collected $1,355 from the program. Collections this year, said organizer Marilee Barthelemy, are about $400 ahead of last year, and people still have until Wednesday, December 31, to add a name.

"We're very, very happy," said Mrs. Barthelemy. "It's absolutely incredible, the response I got."

For a $5 donation, the giver can dedicate a paper tree light in honor or in memory of a loved one, whose name is then printed on the bulb. This year, several donors have listed pets, and one pet, Billy- Bob the cat, honored his human caretaker.

The completed paper lights are strung on a string and dangle from the hallways of Long Term Care.

"The residents absolutely love it," said Mrs. Barthelemy. "They walk down the halls with their heads tilted back, reading. It's nice for them and it kind of brightens up the hallways."

Money raised is used to purchase needed items for the hospital and the Long Term Care Facility.

Mrs. Barthelemy, the Auxiliary treasurer and a hospital employee working in the business office, mailed out letters seeking support in November. Donations have come from all over the county.

Arielle Kammers, a senior at LaSalle High School, volunteered her time to cut out hundreds of the multi-colored lights.

The auxiliary, which has 47 members, also raises money by selling art, geraniums, books, uniforms for staff, and cosmetics.

In recent years, the auxiliary has donated more than $7,000 for such items as specially equipped wheelchairs, a wheelchair washer, chairs, and a $1,065 pediatric scale for the hospital.

"When the facility has a request," Mrs. Barthelemy said, "then we go out and meet those needs. There's no limit."

The auxiliary also has re-served money for decorations at the new long term care facility at the new hospital being built near the Mackinac County Airport. Paintings and lamps the auxiliary will donate will focus on using welcoming colors like blues and browns to help create a homey atmosphere, she said.

To donate a light in honor or in memory of someone, send a note to Mackinac Straits Hospital Auxiliary, Lights of Love, 220 Burdette Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781. Donations also can be brought to outpatient registration at the hospital. Mrs. Barthelemy can be reached at 643-0467.