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Community Lights Holidays with Giving Tree

The tree was placed with decorations galor. Lights were strung to accent the green with names of gentle landmarks adorning the site.

Age is a part of life. With age comes specific health needs and sometimes living at a facility designed to address those needs. Unfortunately, some residents face the disconnection of missing friends and family.

Security First Bank's annual Tree of Lights program is a way to put a smile, some Christmas cheer, on a resident during the holidays.

Now in its 20th year, the Tree of Lights is a way for the community to reach out to residents of Sidney Regional Medical Center's Extended Care Center. The tree was placed in the bank lobby with name tags and three suggested gift items. Generosity runs deep this year. The directions are to return gifts by Monday, Dec. 17. The stress of the bank staff is much lower this year as all of the gift tags are taken. Administrative Assistant Kristi Namuth said some years, the bank has purchased gifts for residents not chosen from the Tree of Lights.

Security First Bank is planning a party for the Extended Care Center residents on Dec. 18 when gifts will be given.

"It's pretty exciting," Namuth said.

She recalls last year when one gentleman clutched his gift as if given something priceless. She added it is exciting to see what it means to the residents. Residents and staff appear to enjoy the program, she said.

 

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