Samaritan invites the greater southern New Jersey community to take part in its annual Tree of Life: Season of Light illumination program on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. at its headquarters in Mount Laurel (3906 Church Road). This moving ceremony, dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who are no longer here with us during the holiday season, will be making its return to an in-person, outdoor event this year.

“At Samaritan, we understand that the holiday season can be especially difficult for those grieving a loss or coping with memories of a loved one,” said Phillip W. Heath, president and CEO, Samaritan. “We are proud to provide a welcoming environment and moving experience where our community can come together to remember, honor and celebrate the lives of our loved ones during this special time of year.”

The ceremony is open to the public and features inspirational readings and moving music, followed by refreshments and fellowship. As part of the ceremony, individuals are invited to dedicate a symbolic light in memory of someone who has passed or in honor of someone special in their life.

All proceeds raised from this year’s Tree of Life ceremony will benefit the more than 11,000 Samaritan patients, clients and families across the southern New Jersey region that are utilizing the primary care, palliative medicine, hospice care, grief support, social connections, education and advocacy services provided by the organization.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generous support of our Tree of Life program, which helps us continue to provide life-enhancing care for our South Jersey neighbors and their families every day,” added Heath.

To donate, dedicate a symbolic light or for more information about Samaritan’s 2024 Tree of Life ceremony, visit: SamaritanNJ.org/Tree. In the event of inclement weather, live updates will also be posted on this page.

WHAT: Samaritan’s 2024 Tree of Life Ceremony

WHEN: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Samaritan Headquarters

3906 Church Road

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

About Samaritan:

Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980 as one of the first hospices in the country. Samaritan is now one of the State’s leading providers of hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief wherever they call home. Samaritan also has two dedicated inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly. Beyond the services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans, Samaritan annually provides nearly $1M in donor-funded non-reimbursed care for patients and families in the South Jersey region. A thrift shop in Westmont also supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program. For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.