Submitted photo Stringing lights on the Tree of Giving is a Christmas tradition for Heart of America Medical Center Auxiliary. The tree will be lit in a ceremony at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the hospital main entrance.

The 26th annual Tree of Giving lighting ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the front entrance of Heart of America Medical Center, Rugby. Each light on the tree represents an individual who is being honored, memorialized, or sent a special greeting by family or friends. Funds raised this holiday season will be used to support HAMC’s 3D Mammography Close to Home project.

This year’s Tree of Giving ceremony will include the reading of names and special greetings to those being honored. Music will be provided by Ely Elementary School choir under the direction of Andee Mattson. And Christmas goodies and apple cider will be served.

“Last season’s proceeds were used to purchase gas cards for cancer patients and to support HAMC’s new chemotherapy suite,” said project co-chair Laurie Odden. “We really want the tree lit up this year and hope people will join us for the ceremony.”

Each colored light on the tree represents a different level of giving: Blue $100, crystal $25, green $10, and red $5. Donors also may purchase a $5 white light in memory or greeting to a special friend or relative. “Some people use Tree of Giving donations in lieu of gifts hard-to-buy-for relatives and friends,” Odden said.

Giving Tree donation forms are available in recent issues of the Pierce County Tribune, at local banks and funeral homes, in the HAMC Gift Shop, and the HAMC website: www.hamc.com/volunteers/HAMCAuxiliary/ All who purchased Tree of Giving lights will receive a 25 percent discount that evening in the HAMC Auxiliary Gift Shop.

– HAMC