Nov 27, 2018 2 min read

The holiday season kicks off at Canonsburg Hospital with the 13th annual Holiday Basket Raffle running now through Dec. 10, plus the return of Canonsburg’s newest holiday tradition as Santa Claus arrives at the hospital’s second-annual Light-Up Night event on Thursday.

The Holiday Basket Raffle has raised more than $155,000 over the past dozen years. Proceeds from this year’s raffle will go toward updating waiting areas throughout the hospital, including the intensive care unit (ICU), operating room, lab, and medical imaging.

The hospital expects there to be more than 65 baskets for people to take a chance on this year, including baskets featuring: 55-inch TV; All-Clad pots and pans set; gift cards, lottery and money trees; holiday-themed baskets; a baker’s basket; Crock-Pot cooking basket; handmade wooden chess set; Amazon Echo; iPad; Kindle Fire; Dooney and Bourke purse; Washington Wild Things memorabilia; Sarris chocolate; bicycle and more. The holiday baskets will be displayed in the main lobby area and the occupational therapy/physical therapy waiting area.

Tickets ($5 for eight or $1 for one) can be purchased at the hospital from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The winning tickets will be drawn at 2 p.m. Dec. 10; winners need not be present.

Canonsburg Hospital’s Light-Up Night celebration returns from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The highlight of the evening will be the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who are expected to touch down at the hospital around 5:30 in an AHN LifeFlight helicopter. Santa will then lead the lighting of a large holiday tree that will remain on display by the main hospital entrance throughout the holiday season.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a North Pole elf will be available for photos with kids of all ages, who will receive souvenirs. Guests can browse the various holiday baskets while enjoying hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes and listening to the children’s choir from St. Patrick Church perform traditional carols.

“We are so pleased to welcome the return of the Holiday Basket Raffle and Light-Up Night,” said Louise Urban, president and CEO of the hospital. “These two events help to bring together people at this wonderful time of year from the local communities Canonsburg Hospital is proud to serve year round.”