The community gathered Dec. 4 to honor and memorialize loved ones during the Angel Tree of Lights ceremony at St. Mary Medical Center.
Melina Dixon, manager of Volunteer Services at St. Mary Medical Center, said the annual event helps bring the spirit of the holiday season to families who have had loved ones pass away, while also raising money for the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.
“Last year, we gave out more than $39,000 in scholarships,” Dixon said.
Auxiliary member Fay Iorio is overwhelmed with joy by the donations to the Angel Tree of Lights program and how it benefits the students.
“It’s a really fun process to go through all the applications and interviews of the recipients,” Iorio said. “Every scholarship is more than $1,000, with some even reaching $5,000. It’s a joy for me to serve on that committee and see the impact it makes on the students.”
As a volunteer at St. Mary Medical Center, Patty Pawlik is grateful for the connections created through the Angel Tree of Lights program.
“It’s a great cause for us to support,” Pawlik said. “We know this can be very emotional, especially for those who are experiencing a new loss, but it puts a good feeling in your heart to contribute to the Angel Tree of Lights.”
Barb Russ came to the program with her daughter to honor two angels they’ve lost recently. She appreciated being surrounded and supported by so many others during the program who have experienced a similar feeling of grief.
“I have a daughter who is a nurse here,” Russ said. “She got an angel for my dad, as well as my daughter’s grandpa on her dad’s side. It was a nice surprise and we’re very touched by the gesture.”
While the reason to rejoice might stem from sorrow, the ceremony serves as a great way to focus on the positive memories each person had with their loved ones.
“The best part is getting to see these people enjoy themselves by honoring their loved ones,” Dixon said. “Seeing everyone have happy moments remembering those good times is the great part about the Angel Tree of Lights.”
For more information about Powers Health, visit PowersHealth.org.