Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital hosted its fifth annual Light Up the Night event Tuesday evening.Around 100 vehicles from more than 65 organizations filled the night with flashing lights to brighten the spirits of patients and families.Some of the participating organizations included police, EMS, fire agencies, towing companies, the Turnpike Commission and the Game Commission.Natasha Herrea from Mechanicsburg, whose son had just arrived as a patient, expressed her gratitude for the event. “It was a breath of fresh air,” Herrea said. “It’s like they knew he was coming here today, so they put on a big show for him.”Herrea shared her son’s excitement, saying, “He was in there, pushing all the buttons, and they were showing him where the lights are and the sirens.” She added, “It makes me feel warm inside that knowing that the people that are out here to serve and protect us come and help the less fortunate when they’re down on their luck.”Todd Leiss, the founder of the nonprofit helping to coordinate the event, emphasized the purpose of the gathering. “Not looking to raise any money and not looking for anything else but just to raise up the spirits of the kids,” Leiss said.He noted that some trucks traveled over 150 miles to participate, all with the shared goal of celebrating the day and making children smile during challenging times. “Just celebrating the fact that today is a good day and that we made you smile when sometimes it’s a very tough time to do that,” Leiss said.Guardian angel lightThe kids didn’t walk away empty-handed. They were gifted a guardian angel light, which is a portable light used for activities. Event organizers say the light is symbol that no matter what you’re going through, you can carry the light with you, wherever you are.

Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital hosted its fifth annual Light Up the Night event Tuesday evening.

Around 100 vehicles from more than 65 organizations filled the night with flashing lights to brighten the spirits of patients and families.

Some of the participating organizations included police, EMS, fire agencies, towing companies, the Turnpike Commission and the Game Commission.

Natasha Herrea from Mechanicsburg, whose son had just arrived as a patient, expressed her gratitude for the event. “It was a breath of fresh air,” Herrea said. “It’s like they knew he was coming here today, so they put on a big show for him.”

Herrea shared her son’s excitement, saying, “He was in there, pushing all the buttons, and they were showing him where the lights are and the sirens.” She added, “It makes me feel warm inside that knowing that the people that are out here to serve and protect us come and help the less fortunate when they’re down on their luck.”

Todd Leiss, the founder of the nonprofit helping to coordinate the event, emphasized the purpose of the gathering. “Not looking to raise any money and not looking for anything else but just to raise up the spirits of the kids,” Leiss said.

He noted that some trucks traveled over 150 miles to participate, all with the shared goal of celebrating the day and making children smile during challenging times. “Just celebrating the fact that today is a good day and that we made you smile when sometimes it’s a very tough time to do that,” Leiss said.

Guardian angel light

The kids didn’t walk away empty-handed. They were gifted a guardian angel light, which is a portable light used for activities.

Event organizers say the light is symbol that no matter what you’re going through, you can carry the light with you, wherever you are.