Sidewalks across the Lehigh Valley have been lit by candlelight on one December evening for 28 years. The small paper bags distributed on New Bethany\u2019s annual Luminaria Night may only contain a scoop of sand and a small candle, but they represent so much more \u2013 the tradition is the \u201cembodiment of the community coming together to help neighbors in their darkest hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Luminaria Night will be held on Saturday, December 13, with all funds raised benefiting New Bethany\u2019s support services for residents experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness.<\/p>\n
More than 73,000 candles lit up the Lehigh Valley in 2024, contributing to a fundraising total greater than $125,000. New Bethany Executive Director Marc Rittle emphasizes that contributing this year is particularly important as many battle the impacts of budget freezes and rising costs. Lining the streets with lights seeks to remind those struggling that the community is behind them and \u201crefuses to let them face the darkness alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luminaria kits can be purchased at several in-person locations until December 11:<\/p>\n
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem – 2344 Center St. from 3 PM – 4 PMNew Bethany\u2019s offices – 333 Wyandotte St. from 8:30 AM – 4 PMShropp Dry Goods Shoppe on December 5 from 10 AM – 2 PMPalmer Park Mall on December 5 from 1 PM – 6 PMSouth Mall on December 12 from 12 PM – 4 PM<\/p>\n