The Auxiliary of McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital (MHMH) will once again set up its Memory and Honor Tree in the MHMH/TriHealth hospital lobby. 

The tree, draped with white lights, goes up the first week of December. The lights are intended to both memorialize those who have died and honor the living. Names are printed on scrolls and placed near the tree as another form of remembrance. 

There are 130 names collected so far, with a gift of $10 accompanying each, according to the Auxiliary. Contributions will be used to award Auxiliary scholarships to students studying nursing and other health education programs.

A ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 in the Oxford Presbyterian Church Seminary Building, 104 E. Church St., to pay tribute to each individual honored and remembered.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, “these lights take on a significant meaning,” said a statement from Sara Speh, chair of the Memory and Honor Tree Committee. 

The Auxiliary consists of volunteers who perform services which will benefit patients, staff and the community. Pamela Collins is the Honorary Chair of this year’s event, who has spent over 40 years at MHMH.

“Pam’s passion, drive, and grit . . . has made our hospital and community a better place,” said Speh. “She has steadfast dedication to fostering healthy changes and policies within the Oxford community.”

This memory tree event marks the 18th year of the program. Additional updates about the event can be found on the hospital website.