Wheaton luminaria brighten lives of disadvantaged children

As the sun sets on Christmas Eve, Wheaton neighborhoods are transformed into wonderlands of soft, glowing candlelight flowing in unbroken chains along curbsides and walkways.

For 48 years, the Wheaton Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago has sponsored the Christmas Eve event that has evolved into an expression of community pride, unity and caring.

Proceeds from the sale of luminaria help the Infant Welfare Society bring the gift of good health to disadvantaged children.

A luminaria set includes five candles and five bags for $5. Lumabases, reusable plastic bases that hold the candles, are available as a set of five for $10. Or for those who prefer, sand, birdseed, kitty litter or potting soil can be used to anchor candles in the bags.

The luminaria are usually spaced five to 10 feet apart along curbs, driveways or sidewalks and lighted at dusk on Christmas Eve. It is common for neighbors to light the luminaria of those who are away on Christmas Eve to keep the chain of light unbroken.

Luminaria sets are sold through neighborhood coordinator volunteers who solicit orders from their neighbors in November and deliver luminaria sets in early December.

Luminaria sets can also be purchased between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve at both Wheaton locations of Buikema's Ace Hardware, 1705 N. Main St. and 90 East Loop Road, and at Carlson's TrueValue Hardware, 125 E. Front St.

For details, visit www.wheatoninfantwelfare.org.