Liberty Hospital

Home > Press Room > Press Releases

Press Releases

November 19, 2007

Contact Name:	Jennifer Benz
Contact Email:	jennifer.benz@libertyhospital.org
Contact Phone:	816-792-7095

Let's Luminate Liberty for TreeHouse!

What is a luminary?
A luminary is a candle placed in a plastic gallon container or paper bag that has been weighted by sand or kitty litter. When using paper bags, the top edge of the bag should be folded down so that it stands straight up. While the City of Liberty does not prohibit the use of paper bags, we recommend the plastic gallon containers.

How did the tradition of Luminaries begin?
The luminary is a Christmas celebration and Spanish tradition begun when the Spaniards colonized Mexico. Small bonfires of bright-burning pines were lit on Christmas Eve to “light the way for the Christ Child” who wandered softly through the night, blessing all who set a guiding light. The tradition was brought to the American Southwest from Mexico by Yankee traders.

When did people start doing Luminaries in Liberty?
In 1986, Nancy and Bob Durden brought the Luminary tradition to Liberty. Nancy’s hometown of Itasca, Illinois participated in a luminary celebration. Nancy and Bob gradually got their neighborhood to participate and for a few years they were ordering the candles and having them sent to her house. When the candle order process became prohibitive for an individual to handle, in 1989, Nancy asked Jerry and Susie Frevert if they could help. When the Frevert’s began ordering and selling the candles, they decided to give any proceeds from the sale of the candles to charity, which they have continued to do for these many years. The Liberty Hospital Foundation is grateful to the Frevert’s for their generosity in designating the TreeHouse as the charity of choice this year.

What is the TreeHouse?
The TreeHouse is a hospitality house on the Liberty Hospital campus. The TreeHouse provides a home-away-from-home when a family member is hospitalized. Since TreeHouse opened in January of 2005, more than 8,000 people have spent the night at the house. More information is available about the TreeHouse from the Foundation office or go to www.libertyhospitalfoundaion.org. All proceeds from the sale of the candles will go to the TreeHouse.

Where do I buy the supplies?
Plumber’s candles are sold for 50 cents each at Frevert’s True Value Hardware, 409 South 291 Highway. Their hours are: M-F 8-8, Sat 8-6, Sun 10-3. They will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Sand, kitty litter, and paper bags can also be purchased at Frevert’s. Phone number – 781-4710

Start saving empty plastic gallon containers or ask neighbors to share.

What is a plumber’s candle?
Plumber's candles are the inexpensive utility candles kept on hand for blackouts and such. They stand on their own and burn for extended periods - many candles lit Christmas Eve are still burning in the morning. It is easier to position the candles in the container if you put sand or kitty litter in the bottom.

What if people are going to be out of town on Christmas Eve?
The effect of the luminaries is most impressive when the line of light is not broken. If possible, arrange with a neighbor to have your luminaries set out and lit even if you are not going to be in town.

What is the Hospital doing for Luminate Liberty for the TreeHouse?
The TreeHouse will be Luminated on Thursday, Dec. 20 as a prelude to the city-wide Christmas Eve Lumination. Luminaries will be placed in front of the TreeHouse. The candles will be lit by 4:30 p.m. by employee volunteers from the Liberty Hospital and should stay alight all night long.

How else can I help?
Fundraising for the TreeHouse is ongoing. If you are interested in making a gift, seeing our wish list, or having the Foundation’s Speaker’s Bureau talk to your service or social organization, please call the Foundation office at 792-7014.

Related Images

<< Return to the Press Room Section

2525 Glenn Hendren Drive | P.O. Box 1002 | Liberty, Missouri 64069-1002 | 816-781-7200