Light-A-Luminary Community Lighting

What is the Light-A-Luminary Project?

The Light-a-Luminary project is designed to bring communities together in peace, love, hope, and fellowship during the holiday season. The project benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill by helping support the many families who are cared for and comforted by its services.  This project is especially important to these families who are unable to be in their own home, due to a child’s serious illness or injury, during such a special time of the year.

When does the Luminary lighting take place?  

Neighborhoods are free to pick any night to do their lighting, and it’s recommended that you pick at least one “rain date.”  This year, many neighborhoods have chosen to come together in a community lighting on Saturday, December 11th (rain date is December 18th), in an expression of unity.  Should this date not be convenient for your neighborhood, an alternative one can certainly be chosen.

How does my neighborhood get involved?

If your neighborhood doesn’t already participate, now is the time to start!  A participating neighborhood has a coordinator/chair who gets sales flyers out to the neighborhood, collects orders, and coordinates final tallies and pick-up with the Ronald McDonald House.  It’s important for the chair to have several “elves” in the neighborhood who can help the coordinator with flyers, orders, and distribution to various sections.  To learn more contact Elizabeth Hullender, Marketing and Special Events Manager, at 919.913.2040.

Is there another way to get involved? 

Some neighborhoods, especially larger ones, find it easier to charge a flat fee to make sure every bit of their neighborhood is lit.  For instance, Silver Creek in Chapel Hill asks for $25 from each neighbor - this simplifies the distribution process and helps cover those who are away or don’t wish to participate in the lighting.  Also, some newer neighborhoods have enlisted their developers to “sponsor” the cost of lighting the unsold lots and green spaces, ensuring that no area goes unlit.

Do you know your neighbors? 

There’s no question we live in a hectic world - resulting in less time to socialize and get to know people!  If you’d like to get to know your neighbors a little better, Light-a-Luminary is a fantastic and inexpensive opportunity! 

Most of the 40+ neighborhoods who participate make their luminary lighting a true community event.  Kids help set up by putting candles in the bags (grown-ups light of course) - refreshments such as hot chocolate and cider are served to warm everyone up, while holiday carols get everyone into the spirit of the season. 

How does the Ronald McDonald House work with your neighborhood? 

Once a coordinator for your neighborhood is established, the Ronald McDonald House customizes and copies order flyers, works with the coordinator on their final order tally, relays pick-up information, answers questions, and offers suggestions. 

What comes in a luminary kit? 

Luminary kits are packaged with 8 white luminary candles, plastic cups and bags, sand, and an instruction sheet.  Kits sell for $6 each.