How Hospice is tackling Christmas

By Jessica Payne

     While this Christmas season is looking to be different from ones in the past the organizers for the Hospice Festival of Trees are working hard to keep a time-honored community tradition going.

     Hospice’s main goal is to keep the community involved and continue to provide fun holiday festivities in any way they can.

     Though it’s been a challenging year for many, Karen Voss Marketing Director for Hospice says, “We hope people will still consider donating during this time.”      

     Many of the traditions of the festival including the auction rely on donations and support from the community to function. 

     Voss also expressed her appreciation for the community, “We really would like to thank everyone who has donated their time or money.” 

     Hospice is offering many events this year to keep the holiday spirit alive. The tree auction that usually happens at Northland mall in Sterling will be held online this year from November 17 – 21 at http://www.hospicerockriver.org.

     The hospice Christmas store will be making its appearance at Northland mall this year from November 12-21 as well and will follow mall hours.

     They are also offering a “Holiday Hustle 5K that will be the week of Nov.30 – Dec. 5. The entry fee is $25. 

     Though the auction will be held on November 17-21the trees up for auction will be on display at Northland mall from November 9 – 21.

     They ask that in place of the gala they usually hold every year that their patrons have a nice meal at home with the family and donate the money they have saved to Hospice.