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Tree of Giving lights up HAMC for another holiday season

By Sue Sitter - | Dec 18, 2021

Submitted Photo Representatives from Heart of America Hospital and Auxiliary held a lighting ceremony for their 29th annual Tree of Giving, Dec. 2. Pictured are: Shelley Block, Amy Casavant, Harriet Kreklau, Marge Heilman, Vonnie Degenstein, Diane Leier, Erik Christenson, Gerry Brenno, Marlene Schaan, Susan Anderson and Terri Jacobson.

Lights on the Heart of America Medical Center’s Tree of Giving are glowing again this season and there’s still time to purchase them, according to Shelley Block, HAMC’s volunteer coordinator.

The auxiliary lights the Tree of Giving each year to support what they called “ongoing needs at Heart of America Medical Center and Johnson Clinics.” Previous projects receiving funds from the Tree of Giving include the hospital’s chemo infusion suite, 3-D mammography, hospice program, acute care unit and care center. The auxiliary has also used proceeds from the Tree of Giving to support Haaland Estates.

The lights on the tree are available for purchase throughout the Christmas season to remember loved ones or send a holiday greeting, according to Block. All proceeds from the purchases support the hospital auxiliary’s projects.

“We have had 52 people donate this year,” Block said of the lights.

The Tree of Giving stands near the front entrance of Heart of America Medical Center on Main Avenue.

The multi-colored lights each represent different amounts donated to the hospital. Blue lights represent contributions of $100 or more; clear crystal star lights represent contributions of $25 and green lights represent contributions of $10. For five dollars, donors can choose either a red or white light to purchase.

Block said most people purchase the lights during the holiday season to remember loved ones who have passed away.

“What I remember is people buy a specific light color so when they drive by they look at the tree find the color and remember their loved one,” Block said. “That is their light.”

Each year during the tree lighting ceremony, auxiliary members read the names of people honored through the light purchases. Block said it was “very meaningful to hear our loved ones name read at the ceremony. They are not forgotten.”

This year marked the 29th season of HAMC’s Tree of Giving. Auxiliary members held the lighting ceremony Dec. 2. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was private, however, the auxiliary streamed the event live on social media.

“My Auxiliary Board of Directors finds this to be one of their most special fundraisers for the year. It is near and dear to their hearts as is HAMC,” Block said.

The auxiliary board of directors consists of Marlene Schaan, Geraldine Brenno, Susan Anderson, Beverly Paul, Vonnie Degenstein, Diane Leier, Laurie Odden, Terri Jacobson and Marge Heilman.

“This is just a great way to remember a loved one or a greeting to someone, and the donation goes to help HAMC,” Block added.

To purchase a light on the Tree of Giving and support Heart of America Medical Center, call 776-5455, extension 2315.