The holiday season has officially begun at Northside Hospital, as the Christmas trees atop the hospital’s campuses in Atlanta, Alpharetta and Cumming have been lit. A grand Celebration of Lights was held at Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming on Dec. 1.

For the first time, artwork from local students, Clark Creek Elementary fifth-graders Frank Beltran and Gardenia Averdano, adorns gift tags that are available for sale throughout the holiday season. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.

Celebration of Lights is Northside Hospital’s annual holiday tradition, now in its 24th year. As one of the hospital’s newest Partners In Education, Clark Creek Elementary School in Acworth asked how it could get involved with this year’s event. Art teacher Jama McCartney challenged her students with creating something just right – that included lights and a holiday theme for all. Frank and Gardenia’s designs were selected.

“Clark Creek is a STEM Academy, and Frank and Gardenia used principles of engineering to create their designs,” said Delane Cope, manager of Northside Hospital’s Foundation and the hospital’s Partner in Education liaison with Clark Creek Elementary. “Both designs are truly beautiful and have been very popular among our donors, staff and patients.”

Lights on each of Northside’s Christmas trees are still available for purchase, in honor or memory of those affected by cancer. All gifts are tax-deductible and festive cards are sent to honorees and families of those remembered. For more information about purchasing lights on any of the Christmas trees or about purchasing gift tags that feature Frank and Gardenia’s designs, visit give.northside.com or call 770-667-GIVE (4483).