Daily News

Remember and Honor Loved Ones on the HMC Tree of Love

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary Assoc. is continuing its annual tradition of remembrance with its Tree of Love, which will be located in the lobby of Holyoke Medical Center at 575 Beech St. through the first week of January.

The auxiliary invites the public to remember loved ones who have died and/or to honor special people by purchasing ornaments to be displayed on the tree. A specially printed card will be placed on the tree to acknowledge each gift. Ornaments may also be purchased through Dec. 21. Also, next to the tree in the lobby is a book stand with the 2014 Tree of Love index, containing, in alphabetical order, a page for everyone whose name is on the tree.

Between 800 and 1,000 people participate in the Tree of Love every year, and it has become an important tradition for many since the first tree stood in the HMC lobby 27 years ago, said Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary Assoc. President Merle Ryan. “Christmas is a time to remember special people, those who are with us and those who have passed. And it’s a way to decorate the tree in memory and in honor of these people, at a time of year when we’re often missing them, and wanting to honor those who are special to us.”

The donation for remembering or honoring someone special is $8 per person or $30 for five people. The proceeds of this auxiliary fund-raiser will be used toward the purchase of new wheelchairs for Holyoke Medical Center. Co-chairs of this event are Peg Wallace and Mary Carol LaMagdelaine. For a flyer, ornament form, or more information, contact Deborah Long-Smith of HMC Volunteer Services at (413) 534-2568.