Heart of America Medical Center volunteers and community members gathered last week near the hospital’s front entrance for the 27th annual Tree of Giving lighting ceremony.

HAMC Volunteer Coordinator Shelley Block chaired this year’s lighting along with Laurie Odden and Susan Anderson.

Block estimated about 30 volunteers, hospital staff and community members attended the lighting the evening of Dec. 3.

After an opening prayer led by HAMC Chaplain Gary Dorn, the choir from St. Paul Lutheran Church entertained the crowd with holiday selections.

“We had JoClaire Halvorson speak,” Block said. “She talked on how the donations from the Tree of Giving helped with (the purchase of) the 3D mammography machine.”

Block told the Tribune the Tree of Giving represents one of several opportunities for giving to the medical center and community.

A letter written by the HAMC Auxiliary explained, “Each light on the tree is dedicated in memory of a loved one or as a greeting to a special friend or relative. Lights can be purchased for the Tree of Giving on many levels – $100 and above is signified by a blue light, $25 is a crystal light on the star, $10 is a green light and $5 is a red light.”

Block said names of people honored by the various colored lights were read at the lighting ceremony.

“I think it really humbles everyone to hear the memorial names,” Block said. “A lot of them have been gone for decades probably, but to still remember them, that’s the best thing. I’ve had someone tell me they look at a blue light and they think of their mother. And I just think that’s a beautiful way of looking at our tree.”

Block said lights are still available for purchase at all levels.

“Absolutely,” Block said. “Donations can be sent to the HAMC Auxiliary, or they can go to www.hamc.com and donate, too.”

Another opportunity to give to the community and get a good cup of coffee comes up on Wednesday.

Heart of America Medical Center will host “Coffee for a Cause” from 7:30-11 a.m. to raise money to help children in local schools. Coffee will be offered to the public at HAMC facilities and Haaland Estates, according to a post on HAMC’s Facebook page.

“We will have 5 locations set up where you can come in to have a cup of coffee along with seasonal coffee flavorings/creamers,” the post said.

“This event is a free will donation with all proceeds going towards overdue lunch accounts at our Rugby Public Schools. No child should go hungry, especially during the holidays. Please open your hearts and donate. Coffee stations will be set up in the Rugby Johnson Clinic, Acute and ER Admissions waiting areas as well as the HAMC Cafeteria. There will also be a location set up at Haaland Estates.”