Auxiliary's Parade of Trees brightens the holiday season

The Bonner General Hospital auxiliary volunteers are a vital part of our community hospital and play an important role in the lives of our patients.

While our physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals provide medical care and treatment, the auxiliary volunteers promote the health and welfare of our patients by providing those special touches that make the hospital stay a little more pleasant. Whether they're delivering cards or gifts, bringing the morning newspaper to a patient's room or simply asking how they can make a patient or family member more comfortable, these volunteers are truly amazing.

This week Bonner General Hospital's auxiliary kicks off the Christmas season with its annual Parade of Trees - a silent auction of tabletop trees that always gets our patients, visitors and staff into the holiday spirit. If you're looking for a Christmas tree that's beautifully decorated and promises not to shed needles, a quick visit to the hospital may just be the answer. The event has been a holiday tradition at the hospital for more than 25 years, and this year's promises to be the best one yet.

Decorated tabletop trees are now on display in the hospital classroom from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 10. Each of the trees has been creatively decorated by members of our community and then donated to the hospital auxiliary for the silent auction.

This year' features more than 20 trees with wonderful and creative themes, from the traditional to the unique. Whether your preference is a "Chocolate Tree," "Irish Christmas," "Home for the Holidays," "Birds of a Feather" or "A Magic Christmas," you're sure to find something that suits your particular taste.

Proceeds from this charitable event will benefit the Bonner General Hospital auxiliary to help them continue their outstanding volunteer work. Simply drop by the hospital classroom, place your bid on the silent auction sheet next to the tree of your choosing, and cross your fingers!  The bidding will conclude next Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m. sharp, and winning bidders will be notified by phone.

Don't miss this chance to get into the holiday spirit while supporting the great work of our BGH auxiliary. If you have questions about the Parade of Trees or would like more information about becoming a BGH auxiliary volunteer, please call Kim Courser at 265-3329.

n Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.