Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf has sponsored a Christmas tradition for 16 years that helps to take the edge off of those feelings of loss and sadness. The Tree of Remembrance program is held each year and this year will be no different. On Saturday, Dec. 19, Trinity Memorial Gardens offers people the opportunity to purchase red velvet ribbons with the names of their deceased loved ones written on them and then place them on a tree planted in front of the cemetery’s mausoleum.
The Christmas Tree of Remembrance is a way families can remember and honor loved ones during the holiday season while contributing to a good cause. A $6 donation places a ribbon with the name of a deceased loved one on the tree. Ribbons will be placed on the Christmas Tree of Remembrance located in the center of the cemetery. The service will be held in The Chapel of Hope. Proceeds this year will be donated to the Southern Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross disaster relief program.
“The event raises money for a local charity each year. For the past five years the Southern Maryland chapter of the American Red Cross has received $7,000 for its disaster relief fund through generosity of the people purchasing the ribbons and Trinity Memorial Gardens,” said Mike Zabko, CEO of the Southern Maryland Chapter “Our volunteers get real life practice serving hot chocolate and cookies during the program from our Emergency Response Vehicle, and the community gets to donate to a worthy cause making it a real community event.” Zabko continued.