Attendees encouraged to participate in toy drive for foster children across West Virginia
Charleston, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey happily invite families from across West Virginia to join them for the official Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the West Virginia Capitol Complex on Thursday, December 4. Starting at 6 p.m., the free festivities take place on the Capitol steps facing Kanawha Boulevard.
“As we begin this blessed month celebrating the birth of Christ, we are looking forward to having West Virginians join us in kicking off the Christmas season with the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “We are asking all those attending who are able to donate a toy or coat and help bring holiday cheer to West Virginia children in foster care.”
The centerpiece of this year’s tree lighting is a 25-foot spruce donated by Crickmer Farms on behalf of the West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association. The celebration will be emceed by WOWK Anchor Amanda Barren and will feature live performances from the Capital High School band and choir, the River City Youth Ballet, festive Christmas sing-alongs, and more holiday entertainment. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Following the tree lighting ceremony, guests are invited to the West Virginia Culture Center for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an elf, crafts, and other holiday surprises.
Attendees are encouraged to donate toys and coats for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of foster children across the state. This year, the organization is particularly in need of gifts suited for older children. Donations may be dropped off at the West Virginia Culture Center or on the Capitol steps during the event.
Free parking will be available in the Capitol Complex parking garage and Laidley Field parking lot. Kanawha Boulevard will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m. for the event.