The CHI Health St. Francis Tree of Love will be on display throughout the Christmas season in the hospital’s main lobby. Adorned with ornaments in honor or memory of loved ones, the tree is an annual tradition sponsored by the hospital's Foundation.
This year’s acrylic ornaments, shaped like a heart, can be personalized with a message to memorialize a loved one. Ornaments can also honor a new baby, celebrate a couple’s first Christmas, mark a special anniversary, or other milestones. Ornaments cost $20 each and proceeds help further the healing ministry of St. Francis.
The public is invited to a ceremonial blessing of the Tree of Love and ornaments at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7 in the hospital lobby. After the ceremony, purchasers may take home their sponsored ornaments. Any remaining ornaments will be hung on the Tree of Love for years to come.
To purchase an ornament before the Friday, Dec. 1 deadline, please call the Foundation at (308) 398-5400 or visit give.chihealth.com/SFF-TOL. Memorial donation, in lieu of an ornament purchase, can also be made by calling the Foundation.
“Christmas is a time for reflection, counting our blessings and honoring those who have left a mark on our lives. We are genuinely humbled to share in the memories honored by our Tree of Love. Support of this annual tradition is greatly appreciated. Our donors' generosity helps further our mission to make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve,” says Melissa Griffith, director, St. Francis Foundation.