The Tamaqua Community Tree Lighting took place on Sunday night at Depot Square Park. The ceremony included a performance by the Tamaqua High School Jazz Chorale, a speech by Amanda Woodring and the announcement of the Cookie Contest winners.

The jazz chorale sang "Joy to the World" before Woodring spoke about why she volunteers in the community, especially during the holiday season.She is a teacher and hears many stories from children that Christmas is a sad time of year for them. She believes that every Christmas for children should be happy and works to make that happen for as many people as she can."I'm going to ask all of you to find a random act of kindness for someone," Woodring said. "Open a door for them, or give them a candy cane. … Just do it so you can see a smile on their face."The Christmas tree, sponsored by the Tamaqua Salvation Army and Safer Streets for Tamaqua's Little Feet, was lit during a rendition of "Silent Night" by the jazz chorale. The giving tree is decorated with packages, which contain gloves, hats and scarves for those in need of those items."This holiday season our wish is for anyone in need of warmth to have access to it," the sign reads.