Thousands of people worldwide, united by grief, are preparing for a Worldwide Candle Lighting Sunday, Dec. 9. Hosted by "the MISS Foundation", a support group for families following the death of a child.

This is an annual event held the second Sunday in December, where persons around the globe light candles for one hour to honor their children who have died. The candles are lit at 7pm local time, starting in New Zealand. As candles burn down in each time zone, they are lit in the next. This creates a virtual 24 hour wave of light as the observance continues around the world. This will be Sandwich's first annual event and it will be held at Salem Lutheran Church's garden located at the corner of Main Street and Pleasant Street (directly across from the Church). This event will be held outdoors from 7pm to 8:30pm. Those wanting their loved ones name to be mentioned in the program should arrive by 6:30pm. Dress warmly and bring a candle in a windproof container.

"While this is a global event, it all starts at the local level as members of the MISS chapters and other support groups across the country observe this special day, whether alone, with friends and family, or in an organized candle lighting ceremony, like the one we will have this year in Sandwich," says Angela Mensing-Farley. "Our hope is that through this combined act, people will realize that they are not alone and that their child, grandchild, or sibling is remembered during the difficult holiday season. We invite all people to join in this moving tribute."

Information about the MISS Foundation and locations of its chapters nationwide is available by calling Angela Mensing-Farley at 815-695-9412 or by visiting the MISS Foundation's web site at www.misschildren.org.

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