Essentia Health holding annual tree walk and angel fundraiser for hospice

This holiday season, Essentia Health-Fosston will host its 20th annual Tree Walk for Hospice from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Open to all ages, this community event will be held at Magelssen Elementary School at 700 First St. E. in Fosston.

The Tree Walk raises funds to provide specialized care to the patients and families served through hospice.

"Being able to care for patients in the last chapter of their lives is a true blessing," said Shannon Netland, home care and hospice manager at Essentia Health-Fosston. "Funds raised during the holiday season helps ensure all patients who need our care can experience comfort and dignity. Hospice also provides grief support for those whose loved ones have passed."

The Fosston-Lengby Lions Club will provide a free-will donation pancake and sausage breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon. A remembrance program with a candle-lighting ceremony follows at 12:15 p.m.

Attendees can also bid on decorated Christmas trees through a silent auction, participate in holiday-themed crafts and enjoy a variety of refreshments, including a hot chocolate bar, coffee and hot cider.

Angel tree ornaments — a pair of angel wings — will also be available for purchase in honor or memory of a loved one. The suggested donation is $10 per ornament. Ornaments can also be mailed and will be available while supplies last.

A hospice remembrance holiday tree will be lit in the lobby of the Essentia Health-Fosston Clinic the evening of the Holiday Wellness Event on Friday, Nov. 22. An angel will be placed on the tree for every ornament purchased.

"The amount of support in the past years for this program has been phenomenal," added Netland. "We are very thankful to continue to provide this much-needed service to our community."

If you would like to sponsor a tree in this year's Tree Walk for Hospice, purchase an ornament or have questions, please call (218) 435-7670 or visit the hospice office at 900 Hilligoss Blvd. SE. and speak with Netland or Jody Heide.

The holidays can be difficult to navigate with the loss of a loved one. A holiday grief support group will meet from 3-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 in the education room at Essentia Health-Fosston. All are welcome.