Special Child lights up COTR

Six-year-old Jaiden Morgan pulled the switch to light up the Christmas tree in front of Whitfield Regional Hospital Wednesday for the official start of Christmas on the River 2019.

Jaiden, a kindergarten student at Westside Elementary School, is the 2019 COTR Special Child. Although he was born with spinal bifeda and hydrocephalus, it hasn’t stopped him from being a normal child, said his father, Walter Morgan.

“It’s an honor to be able to light the tree,” added his mother, Diondria Ash. She said Jaiden has wanted to light the tree for years.

The event is the 30th year the Love Lights Tree ceremony has kicked off COTR. The idea grew from a fund-raiser started by the hospital’s auxiliary to sell red and white ornaments in honor or in memory of loved ones.

Sandra Booen, Auxiliary president, said as of Wednesday donors has purchased $848 in Love Lights, and Corporate Wreaths that line the mail hall of the hospital has brought in another $6,300.

The event also was an opportunity to introduce all the COTR royalty. Presented were the Little Miss, Young Miss, Junior Miss and Miss COTR and their courts.

Avery Emery entertained the crowd with a rendition of “The First Nowell,” and Diane Brooker, 2019 COTR chairman, gave an update on all the events planned during the week.

After the ceremony, the hospital hosted refreshments, and children visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus.