Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's 'Lights of Love' event

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Musician John Denver wrote that “Love is a light that shines from heart to heart.” That was the idea behind Children's Healthcare of Atlanta’s "Lights of Love" event Valentine’s Day evening.

The public was invited to come out to each of the three hospitals Children’s Healthcare operates in Atlanta. Participants were encouraged to wear red and bring a flashlight.

At a designated time at Hughes Spalding, Egleston, and Scottish Rite hospitals, Children's staff, volunteers, families, and supporters shined their lights at the windows of the hospital from outside. Moments later, the children inside shined their lights back in a powerful expression of love cutting through the darkness.

"Kids in the hospital often miss out on many childhood rites of passage," Melanie Turner, Volunteer Coordinator at Scottish Rite was quoted as saying in a release sent to FOX 5 News. "This season, that includes special Valentine's Day activities at school and card exchanges with friends. We thought it would be wonderful to rally around our brave patients by sending them one big, virtual Valentine. It's all about reminding them that the Atlanta community cares and will always be cheering them on."

Area law enforcement, firefighters, and other public servants also attended.

We hope the light of all those who participated continues to shine on for years to come!