TWIGS 14 will host its 46th annual Holiday Tour of Homes later this week.

The tour, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, will include a special preview tour from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. The tour will showcase holiday decorations at five homes in Newark and Granville.

All proceeds will benefit projects at Licking Memorial Hospital.

TWIGS, which stands for togetherness, willingness, imagination, giving and sharing, was founded in 1950 and has contributed more than $4.5-million to the hospital for equipment and capital needs, according to information from the group.

Many different TWIGS groups exist today.

Cindy Price, the preview-party ticket chair for the event, said TWIGS members expect 500 to 600 attendees this year and hope to raise about $5,000 for the hospital.

"This year, there are five homes and a good selection of all different styles and sizes," Price said.

The Newark residences include the homes of Jeff and Kandy Woods, 1561 Londondale Parkway; Ryan Price, 103 South 30th Street; and Ed and Jean Ware, 744 S. Hampton St.

The Granville residences include James and Kelly Riley's home, 110 Roseview; and Mark and Mindy Kunar's home, 427 Glyn Tawel Drive.

Kandy Woods said she has been thinking for a few years about entering her home in the tour.

"We have always had a lot of Christmas trees," she said. "I am doing more this year. I usually do a lot but even a little bit more this year."

She said she has nine different trees throughout her house, each with a different theme, such as reindeer.

Woods said she and her family started decorating in August to prepare for this year's tour.

"You don't realize how much work it is," she said. "You don't realize how many things you put off getting done until someone makes you get it done."

Valerie Van Winkle, tour chair for TWIGS 14, said the tour offers an unusual opportunity for area residents.

"As far as I know, there aren't any other home tours that help kick off the holiday like the tour of homes," she said. "It seems like it has worked really well. It helps people get into the mood of Christmas; it helps them get ideas for decorations, and it's just a fun night out."

She said the group's mission is to use the event to support the community through the hospital.

"Whether it's a TV in a room or larger equipment that is state of the art, the money that we raise goes towards those things," Van Winkle said.

She said she hopes people would see the value in volunteering with TWIGS through the tour of homes.

"If you are interested in doing something for the community that is not time consuming, please think about joining or TWIGS group or another TWIGS group," she said. "We need help, and if there is anyone out there that is interested in joining our TIWGS group, we would greatly appreciate it."

Those interested in joining a group should call the Licking Memorial Hospital at (740) 348-4000.

Presale tickets for the event cost $10 and are available at all Park National Bank locations. Tickets at the door cost $12 and are available at any of the participating homes.

The preview tickets for the Tuesday event cost $30 and include a catered champagne reception and an opportunity to visit a sixth home open only to those who attend the preview. For preview tickets, call (740) 334-3073 or (740) 348-4079.

gmartineau@thisweeknews.com