Christmas Tree Lane raising funds for the Wrangell Hospice

Anybody who has visited the Nolan Center in the past few weeks has seen all of its holiday decorations. While the numerous lights and other decorations are nice to look at, what may stand out to most people is the number of Christmas trees lining the center's walls. Each tree is uniquely and creatively decorated and, according to Elaine Torvend, they are all up for bid.

Christmas Tree Lane, as the program is called, has been a tradition in Wrangell for at least the past ten years, Torvend said. People and organizations across the island come together to create beautiful and unique Christmas trees, which are put on display in the Nolan Center. People can then bid on these trees to take home. Proceeds from Christmas Tree Lane go to benefit the Wrangell hospice.

"Christmas Tree Lane is the one and only fundraiser for Hospice of Wrangell," Torvend said. "The majority of the trees people put together to be bid on and auctioned off, 100 percent of the proceeds goes to hospice. There are a few that are 50/50, that's what it was originally set up for ... but the majority of the groups that do it donate 100 percent."

The proceeds from Christmas Tree Lane go towards durable goods, Torvend said. This includes things like wheelchairs, walkers, beds, shower chairs, and other items hospice patients might need. There are about 12 trees available for bidding this year. One tree, donated by Harbor House, is themed after the film The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Catholic Church also donated a nativity-themed Christmas wreath. There is also a pink, white, and gold tree donated by the Girl Scouts.

The trees are up for display and bidding until Dec. 14, and will be available for pickup on Dec. 15. They can be seen at the Nolan Center during its regular hours.

"It's a great fundraiser to basically just help people," Torvend said.