Mount Laurel, NJ – Samaritan invites the greater southern New Jersey community to take part in its annual Tree of Life: Season of Light illumination program on Tuesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. at their headquarters in Mount Laurel (3906 Church Road). This moving ceremony is a time to remember and honor loved ones who are no longer here with us this holiday season.

“We are thrilled to be able to host this moving, inspirational program in person once again in 2023 – right at Samaritan’s headquarters in Mount Laurel, the place we call home,” said Phillip W. Heath, president and CEO, Samaritan. “The holidays evoke feelings, emotions and memories. Our Tree of Life ceremony has become a time-honored tradition at Samaritan and a wonderful way for us to reflect, remember and, most importantly, celebrate the extraordinary lives of those we love.”

As part of the program, individuals are invited to dedicate a symbolic light in memory of someone who has passed or in honor of someone special in their life. This special ceremony is open to the public and features inspirational readings and moving music, followed by refreshments and fellowship. The first 100 attendees will take home a keepsake candle, hand-poured exclusively for Samaritan by Jersey Girl Candles.

All proceeds raised from this year’s Tree of Life ceremony will directly benefit the more than 11,000 Samaritan patients and families utilizing hospice, palliative care, primary care, grief support, education and advocacy services each year.

“Generous support from programs like Tree of Life enable Samaritan to continue providing compassionate, expert care, as well as an array supportive services for patients and their loved ones to live their best lives every day,” added Heath.

To donate, dedicate a symbolic light or for more information about Samaritan’s 2023 Tree of Life ceremony, visit: SamaritanNJ.org/Tree.

WHAT: Samaritan’s 2023 Tree of Life Ceremony

WHEN: Tuesday, December 5, 2023

7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Samaritan Headquarters

3906 Church Road

 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

About Samaritan:

Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980 as one of the first hospices in the country. Samaritan is now one of the State’s leading providers of hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief wherever they call home. Samaritan also has two dedicated inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly. Beyond the services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans, Samaritan annually provides nearly $1M in donor-funded non-reimbursed care for patients and families in the South Jersey region. A thrift shop in Westmont also supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program. For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.