NEW HARTFORD — Each holiday season, Hospice and Palliative Care’s end-of-the-year appeal and Light Up A Life Campaign invites the public to consider a gift to “Light Up A Life” to celebrate the lives of those who have been loved and lost and also recognize the Hospice, A.I.M. Palliative Care and Siegenthaler staff who have helped people along in their journeys.

“It has been said that when a cardinal appears, it’s a gentle reminder of a loved one who has passed. Although they are no longer with us, they remain forever cherished in our hearts. The fond memories we shared, the love that filled our lives with them will never part,” Hospice and Palliative Care said in an announcement.

The campaign gives the community the opportunity to honor a loved one with a tribute ornament which may be hung for all to see on the Hospice and A.I.M. Palliative Care tree or the Siegenthaler Center tree.

Participants can also opt to place their holiday tag somewhere special to them, whether it be on a tree, in a window, or in another meaningful place at home.

There are several ways to participate:

Donate online at www.hospicecareinc.org/donate-online. Please include the name(s) of those you would like to remember and be sure to select “Light Up A Life” as the donation type.

Mail your donation to “Light Up A Life” for Hospice, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Drop off your donation in the bright red mailbox located outside the office at 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. The mailbox is found under the covered walkway and is labeled “Light Up A Life.”

Stop in or call the office at 315-735-6484, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Volunteers will be taking donations beginning Dec. 1 through Dec. 23 at Sangertown Square Mall in Center Court, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from noon-6 p.m., and at AmeriCU on Black River Blvd., Rome or Commercial Drive, New Hartford, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon.

All gifts to “Light Up A Life” are welcome through Dec. 31, and are greatly appreciated, Hospice and Palliative Care said. The first 100 donors who contribute $100 or more will receive a keepsake cardinal ornament with the quote “I am always with you.”

“Hospice, palliative, and bereavement services to the community are only possible due to the generosity of our donors, and all gifts stay right here in Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison counties, helping our loved ones, neighbors, and friends,” Hospice and Palliative Care said.