National Grid has stepped up to the plate to support a unique project at the Westland Hills Baseball and Softball League in Albany, creating the “Our Angels Remembered” Holiday Tree Lighting program with a donation that covered the cost of purchasing 100 Christmas trees.

The trees were placed in a softball field in Westland Hills, a city park between Central and Washington avenues, and local families were invited to sponsor trees in memory of a lost loved one, with proceeds going toward funding for league programming in 2022 and continuing the tree program for a second year. Sponsorship of each tree cost $75.

Ray Joyce, National Grid Director of the Electric Eastern Regional Control Center, has played and coached for the league for many years and is also an Albany County Legislator. Joyce brought the project to National Grid to support. After getting word that the energy company would contribute $2,500, he matched the donation and the cost of the trees was taken care of.

“These 100 trees serve as a powerful and moving tribute to the families of Westland Hills, the city of Albany, and our  surrounding communities,” said Joyce. “Thanks to the generous contribution from National Grid, families get to feel a little closer to loved ones no longer able to celebrate the holiday season with us in person.”

“After the challenges our children and families have faced these last two years, this meaningful project has brought us back together as a community, and this new holiday tradition will carry on for generations to come,” he added.

“This program has been very meaningful for the families who decorated a tree in memory of a lost family member, providing solace at a time of year that can be very difficult. And the entire community is now able to enjoy a field full of 100 lighted trees. National Grid was happy to help Westland Hills launch ‘Our Angels Remembered’ in its inaugural year,” said Laurie Poltynski, National Grid Regional Director.

Most of the trees were sponsored by Westland Hills families, players, coaches and volunteers and neighbors of the park. They are decorated with lights and special ornaments that relate to the deceased family member’s favorite pastimes and interests.

According to Joyce, as a result of the funding assistance, the project has generated enough revenue to purchase trees for next year’s program and fund baseball and softball programs through 2022.

The trees are available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day through Jan. 1. Entry to the park can be made from Austain Avenue in Albany.

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