San Juan College Invites Volunteers to Help Light Up the Night for the Annual Luminaria Display
Each December, San Juan College (SJC) transforms into a glowing landscape of light and community spirit during its Luminaria Display. Thousands of paper lanterns line rooftops, walkways, courtyards and parking lots. This gift to the community has created a breathtaking scene that has captured the hearts of guests for nearly five decades.
Behind this stunning display of light is an equally inspiring story of teamwork. The event’s magic is made possible by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, students, employees, families and local residents who come together each year to bring the tradition to life.
In the days leading up to the event, local schoolchildren and high school students join forces with SJC volunteers to fill paper bags with sand and candles. On the day of the display, SJC students, employees and community members carefully place and light each luminaria.
“The Luminaria Display isn’t just about the lights it’s about the people who make it happen,” said Hannah Messenger from the Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life. “Each volunteer plays a part in creating something beautiful for the entire community to enjoy.”
Volunteers are invited to take part in this year’s Luminaria Display on Saturday, December 6, by helping with setup and lighting candles. Setup begins at 9 a.m., as volunteers work together to place luminarias around campus in preparation for the evening’s display. At 3 p.m., participants will light candles. After the event, community members are welcome to recycle luminarias for personal use beginning at 2 a.m., on Sunday, December 7, with campus cleanup efforts starting later that morning at 9 a.m. Community members are also welcome to volunteer for clean up on December 7th, from about 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Food and hot chocolate will be provided for the volunteers, and they will also receive a drawstring bag with the Luminarias Logo printed on it.
This event has thrived for 47 years thanks to the helping hands of volunteers. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, your time and effort help continue a legacy of warmth, light and togetherness.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life at 505-566-3294 or use this link Luminaria Volunteer Sign Up.