The Bethlehem area observed its 17th Luminaria Night Dec. 13. More than 100,000 lights were purchased by area residents, businesses and organizations for the event sponsored by New Bethany Ministries.

Traditions of America at Bridle Path homeowners participated in the event for the first time and purchased more than 1,200 lumiaria kits.

"Our homeowners can't wait to see the community glowing this weekend," said Traditions of America at Bridle Path Lifestyle Director Jamie Elstner prior to the event. Traditions hosted a pot luck after the luminaria lighting and invited New Bethany staff members to join in.

Homeowner Judy Thomasik is an active participant in the luminaria preparation. Bringing warmth to local families was an enlightening and rewarding experience for her, she said. "It brought the community together and gave us a common mission of helping others."

Not only has the Bridle Path community supported New Bethany Ministries this season, it also is partnering with Cops 'n Kids to provide children with home access to books in the local area. Cops 'n Kids is a national program created to ensure that every child has access in his or her home to books and the knowledge, inspiration and hope that such access can provide.

Earlier this month, a team from Bridle Path dropped off winter coats for homeless Bethlehem kids living at the New Bethany Ministries shelter. Homeowners spearheaded the fundraising by raising $635 and community developer Traditions of America matched their donations. That was enough to supply 30 children with new coats.

Elstner worked with homeowners to coordinate the coat drive for the community.

"I am inspired by the generosity and big hearts of our Bridle Path homeowners," Elstner said.