The Benedictine Auxiliary is bringing back two different events/fundraisers for the 2021 holiday season. The 2021 Angel Tree will be on December 6 this year, with Angel Pick from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Summit Entrance, and they will be accepting donations for their Light up a Life event until December 15.
Ashley Melsa from the Benedictine Living Community said they are happy to bring the Angel Tree back this year after it was canceled last year due to Covid-19. “We did get the go-ahead to move forward with our Angel Tree event this year. It will look a little different as will be at the Summit Entrance this year, but this will accommodate the skilled living and memory care residents,” said Melsa. “Each resident will have a wish list and will go through and be able to pick out some of the things on the list.”
Around 90 residents will benefit this year from the Angel Tree event. Benedictine Auxiliary President Diane Seddon says this is one of the residents’ favorite events. “The residents really enjoy it,” said Seddon. “They have their lists of what they want, and it ranges from socks, candy, miracle grow for their plants, soda, things that just bring them joy. Anyone enjoys a nice new pair of warm fuzzy socks, so it really is the small things that can make a big difference.”
Seddon also explained how people can participate in the Light Up a Life event and some more details about what will occur. “People can donate a light in remembrance of a loved one, and it doesn’t have to be a resident here with us; it can be in remembrance of anyone,” said Seddon. “Last year, we lit up a staircase with all the lights, and it actually looked like a Christmas Tree by the time we were done with it. It’s another thing that may seem small but can make a big difference for our residents.”
Melsa also said the event gained a great response from the community last year, making it a lot of fun. “It was very well perceived by the community last year. People would drive by and tell us that it looked beautiful, and it was so fun to do,” said Melsa. “I’ve already got to hang up a lot of Christmas lights for this year so that it will be lit up outside again, and the staircase will be lit up beginning on December 31 of New Year’s Eve, until January 31. So anytime you want to drive by, you can say a prayer or have a time of reflection for a loved one.”
Melsa and Seddon believe Light Up a Life is the biggest fundraiser they put on each and every year for the Auxiliary.
For more information on the Light Up a Life, you can go to the Benedictine Living Community Facebook Page and scroll to events. Donations of $5 per light bulb can be mailed to Benedictine Auxiliary 516 Walsh St Crookston Mn, 56716. Please include a name of who the light will be in honor of.
The Angel Tree pick-up will be on Monday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Angel Gift Drop off will be no later than December 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the Skilled living entrance. If you have any questions, you can also email Ashley Melsa at ashley.melsa@benedictineliving.org.
