Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital's 22nd annual community tree lighting will honor local firefighters during the holiday festivities on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Firefighters from Santa Clarita Valley stations 124 and 126 will be in attendance and given special recognition during the free event, which offers festive activities for the entire family.

Starting at 2 p.m., there will be children's holiday crafts, letters to Santa, face painting, photos with Santa, entertainment, refreshments, and much more.

At 5 p.m., the dazzling, 40 foot-high tree will be lit and kept alight for the rest of the season.

The tree lighting ceremony also provides the community with a special opportunity to participate in the "Gift of Life Program," in which donors help decorate the holiday tree with symbolic contributions from $15 to $1,000 toward multi-colored ornaments in honor of loved ones.

This year, the major sponsor of the event is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and the Health Foundation Boards of Directors, who have elected to provide a message of appreciation to the California firefighters who so bravely and diligently protected their community during the recent Buckweed and Magic blazes.

"Our partnership with the Fire Department is vital to Henry Mayo," Foundation President Diana Vose said . "We value the firefighters consistent and professional rapid response to emergencies as part of disaster recovery efforts for our community."

In return for "Gift of Life" contributions, donors are sent a commemorative ornament and their names will be inscribed in the hospital's Keepsake Recognition Book, which will be on display during the tree lighting and kept in the hospital lobby throughout the holiday season.

All donations benefit patient care services at Henry Mayo.

To learn more about the hospital Foundation's "Gift of Life Program," please contact the hospital Foundation at (661) 253-8082 or visit www.henrymayo.com.