Lopez Island Home and Hospice Support hosted more than 180 Lopezians at the annual Jingle Bell Celebration on December 7, at the Lopez Community Center for the Arts. During the event, LIHHS honored Lopez’s fabulous Emergency Medical Services group, and in particular paramedics Michelle McDarmont, Nicole O’Bryant, and Caleb Pal. The crowd gave these three and their colleagues a standing ovation, celebrating them for their part in the real work of keeping islanders safe and helping us get to on- and off-island emergency care when needed.

More than 88 individuals and businesses showed their commitment to supporting LIHHS activities with Jingle Bell Celebration sponsorships at levels ranging from $300 to $2,000 or more. At the big event, wine from Vita’s and delicious hearty bites from Haven Kitchen & Bar kept guests humming while they perused 65 auction items that ranged from local art to a septic tank pump out. Something for everyone!

LIHHS is not only particularly grateful to the Jingle Bell sponsors but to all the auction donors as well. Local artists gave prints and paintings, woodwork and carvings, ceramics, textiles and glass creations. Businesses contributed gift certificates, swag, and magical experiences, from a Methow Valley getaway to local explorations, like an airplane sight-seeing tour and a chance to explore the Lopez tree canopy. Finally, yes, the bidding was hot on three items, a septic pump-out, a new toilet with installation, and a yard of compost.

LIHHS has been delighted to have the Lopez High School Spanish Club’s help at the last two Jingle Bell events. Members of the club teamed up with community volunteers to serve the plentiful hors d’oeuvres and clean up after the party. In return, LIHHS donated toward the club’s upcoming cultural trip to Los Angeles.

Jingle guests remarked on how wonderful it was to raise a glass with so many old and new friends — “a real cross section of the island,” as one guest put it. Another suggested we rename the event the “Jingle Mingle.” What a great idea!

LIHHS looks forward to using the funds raised at the Jingle Bell Celebration and throughout the year to support the Lopez community with free durable medical equipment loans, home visits to islanders in need of ongoing assistance or help recovering after an injury or surgery, small home safety grants, community education events (such as the “Living Well on Lopez” series), and grants to fellow island organizations that serve the community, such as Hamlet House and Creaky Yoga. All this is possible because of LIHHS’s generous donors.

If LIHHS didn’t see you this year, we urge you to be on the lookout next fall for information about the 2025 Jingle Bell event — you are welcome to join the party!