Canned food donations accepted at Relay For Life of Ritzville

Once again, organizers of the 2011 Relay For Life of Ritzville are using canned food to keep Luminaria bags in place during the event this weekend.

According to the American Cancer Society, “One important aspect of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. One of the most moving parts of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony.

“As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.”

Canned food is used in place of sand to anchor the bags on the grass around the track. Inside the bags are battery-operated tea light candles, which were donated by Leslie Adams. During the Luminaria Ceremony at 10 p.m. this Friday, the candles will be ‘lit’ as those names on the bags are scrolled on a large screen for all to see.

Donations of canned food may be dropped off at the newspaper office until noon on Friday or at the booth at the football field Friday evening.

Canned food will also be available by donation at the luminaria booth for individuals to use.

Following the event, the canned food will be donated to the Ritzville Food Pantry.