Luminaria Light Wheaton Walkways on Xmas Eve, Raise Funds for Children in Need

As the sun sets on Christmas Eve, neighborhoods are transformed into wonderlands of soft, glowing candlelight flowing in unbroken chains along curbsides and walkways. For 47 years, the Wheaton chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago has sponsored this beautiful Christmas Eve event which has evolved into a breathtaking expression of community pride, unity and caring. Proceeds from the sale of luminaria help the Infant Welfare Society bring the gift of good health to disadvantaged children.

A luminaria set includes five candles and five bags for $5.00. Lumabases, reusable plastic bases that hold the candles, are available as a set of five for $10.00. Or if you prefer, sand, birdseed, kitty litter or potting soil can be used to "anchor" candles in the bags. They are usually spaced five to ten feet apart along curbsides, driveways or sidewalks and lit at dusk on Christmas Eve. It is common for neighbors to light the luminaria of those away on Christmas Eve to keep the chain of beautiful light unbroken.

Luminaria are sold through neighborhood coordinator volunteers who solicit orders from their neighbors in November and deliver luminaria sets in early December. Luminaria sets can also be purchased between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve at Carlson's TrueValue Hardware (125 East Front Street in downtown Wheaton) and at both Wheaton locations of Buikema's Ace Hardware (North: 1705 North Main Street and South: 90 East Loop Road).

Wheaton Infant Welfare invites you to join us in "Lighting a Candle for a Child" this Christmas Eve by purchasing your luminaria today. For more information, visit www.wheatoninfantwelfare.org/l... or email secretary@wheatoninfantwelfare.org