Hospice of Wrangell plans pair of annual holiday events

Hospice of Wrangell is planning its two biggest events of the year, including its only fundraiser of the year.

The Dove Tree Ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the Nolan Center lobby. The tree, decorated with paper doves in memory of those who have died, will remain up through the new year.

The annual remembrance started more than 20 years ago.

Volunteers will prepare a dove for each community member who died in the past year, and blank doves will be available for people to add their own remembrances.

People can add a dove to the tree at Tuesday’s ceremony or anytime during December.

The second event sponsored by Hospice of Wrangell is Christmas Tree Lane, the organization’s only fundraiser of the year, said volunteer Alice Rooney. It’s a chance for people to get creative, and a chance for community members and businesses to bid on their favorite tree to take home or to work for the holiday.

Decorated trees will be accepted at the Nolan Center from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2. Each entry will go up for a silent auction. Bidding will open Dec. 5 and close at 1 p.m. Dec. 19.

Only artificial trees are allowed — to avoid the fire risk from real trees — though people are encouraged to use their imagination. Past entries have included a “tree” constructed entirely of plastic pipe and covered in garlands, Rooney said. Another was created from driftwood.

Last year’s tree display and sale attracted about a dozen entries, she said.

Wreaths are not allowed.

For more information, contact Rooney at 907-305-0007, or email rooney@aptalaska.net.