Hinsdale – More than 350 individuals are memorialized as part of the Tree of Remembrance, an annual tribute presented by Adventist St. Thomas Hospice and Harris Bank Hinsdale. Now in its 15^th season of commemorating friends and loved ones, the tree is on display on the corner of Lincoln and First streets in front of Harris Bank’s downtown Hinsdale location.

Community members can honor a loved one who has passed away by making a contribution to Adventist St. Thomas Hospice. The loved one’s name is then written on one of two adjacent memorial name boards. Funds raised are used to assist uninsured families and to provide bereavement support to all members of the community. It is the hospice’s only annual fundraiser.

“We hear stories from families who tell us that visiting the tree is an annual event,” said Rosie Cohen, the hospice’s bereavement coordinator. “They meet at the tree to look for their loved one’s name and then spend time together in downtown Hinsdale. It’s a wonderful way to remember someone.”

The tree will be illuminated throughout the holiday season, a tradition that began in 1993.

Gift envelopes are available inside the Harris Bank of Hinsdale, or by calling Adventist St. Thomas Hospice’s bereavement department at (630) 856-6993. Donations may also be mailed to the attention of Tree of Remembrance at Adventist St. Thomas Hospice, 8230 S. Madison St., Burr Ridge, IL 60527.

The hospice is part of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital and serves patients and families in DuPage, eastern Kane, northern Will and western Cook counties. It is certified by Medicare and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.