SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The South End of Springfield is celebrating the holidays with its neighbors with an annual tree lighting. ‘Hockey for Heroes’ celebrity bartending fundraiser held in Springfield The South End Citizens Council hosted its second annual tree lighting Thursday evening at Angelina Florian Park.  This event is part of the council's efforts throughout the year to support the people in their community. On Thursday night, one lucky family went home with a basket filled with food and gift cards to Big Y and other local establishments. “It's very important to us to make sure that the community is or knows that we are here and that we will always be here.” The council represents residents and businesses to address concerns and promote economic growth in the area. Local News Headlines A look at the average Massachusetts snow and rain in December College-bound Springfield students march to celebrate academic success Second Chance saved over 55,000 pets in 2024 Springfield teachers honor Sandy Hook victims with remembrance ceremony on Memorial Bridge WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.