Tree of Light Celebrates Community, Compassion, Support
It’s quite the feat. Since 2011, a year after the SECU Hospice House opened, a handful of hospice volunteers have spearheaded the Tree of Light, a holiday fundraising campaign benefiting patients. To recognize every donation, the volunteers hang an ornament on the tree. And in memory of every hospice patient served during the past year, they light a luminaria that families may keep. The campaign culminates the first week in December with the Tree of Light ceremony at Johnston Medical Mall. During a heartfelt program, speakers acknowledge patient families and o er words of encouragement and support. A few years ago, the Johnston Health Foundation joined e orts to assist with planning and coordination. This year, two of the faithful volunteers, Carolyn Jones and Wanda Johnson, a retired hospice volunteer coordinator, were among those grieving the recent loss of loved ones. Jones lost her husband, Jim, in September, and Johnson, her sister, Vera, in October. This is not the first time these two women have grieved together. Back in May 2016, both experienced the loss of their fathers just two weeks apart. “Volunteering is how I give back,” says Jones, whose sister, mother, and close friends have all benefited from hospice services. “Participating in the campaign is a reminder of the special care they received. I love Christmas, and it’s even more meaningful when I help decorate the Tree of Light and place the luminarias.” Johnson shares a similar sentiment. “I do it because I love the CNAs and nurses who give their hearts and souls to care for patients,” she says. “As we were hanging the ornaments, I felt the love from those who donated in memory of my sister.” This year, hospice served more than 500 patients in their homes and at the SECU Hospice House, and 340 tribute donations were made during the Tree of Light campaign.
Prior to the Tree of Light ceremony on Dec. 5, hospice volunteers Carolyn Jones and Wanda Johnson, left and right, reflect on the ornaments listing memorial gifts honoring their lost loved ones.
Standing at 15 feet tall, the Tree of Light is the centerpiece of UNC Health Johnston’s Festival of Trees. This year’s entries highlighted the creativity of local businesses, agencies, a town, and two schools. The festival’s presenting sponsor delivered a particularly clever message: “If your heart grows three sizes like the Grinch’s, we suggest consulting NC Heart and Vascular.” In addition to the stunning trees, carolers and actors from the Neuse Little Theatre, and musicians from the Smithfield ukulele group brightened the mall. “The Festival of Trees is more than just a beautiful holiday display—it is a celebration of community, compassion and support,” said Allison Strickland, director of the foundation. “Every ornament, luminaria, and decorated tree tells a story of love, remembrance and generosity.” Looking ahead, the foundation plans to extend its reach by o ering trees to other local non-profits during next year’s festival and to prolong the presence of the memorial luminarias.
Above: Carolers from the Neuse Little Theatre were among the performers at the Festival of Trees during December. Standing, from left, they are: Larry Grey, Stephanie Veren, Sammy Smith, Nancy Gibbs and Kay Hewitt. Seated is Theresa Rose. Top: A luminaria represents every hospice patient that UNC Health Johnston has served during the past year.
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