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The annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by Tillery Compassionate Care (TCC), kicked off its 30th year on Dec. 9 with a special observance highlighted by the lighting of the organization’s “Angel Trees.”
Although the theme of the celebration centers on the 60-plus Christmas trees that adorn the main corridor of Stanly Commons, a few new features are added each year, according to Janna Spurr, one of TCC’s bereavement coordinators.
In addition to cookies (donated by Albemarle Sweet Shop) which visitors to the event have the opportunity to decorate, the event featured visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus (who this year brought along with them a native North Pole elf).
“We also have a few new tree sponsors,” Spurr said, “and we also have some unique trees this year; different from past ones.”

According to Spurr, several of the newer trees were created by TCC’s volunteers. Trees included in the festival feature ones sponsored by community organizations, businesses, families and individuals in addition to nine angel trees, which are decorated solely with hand-crafted angels carrying the name of a loved one who has passed away in the previous year.
“We hope the light from these angel trees will bring peace and comfort to the families and friends of the loved ones we honor,” fellow TCC bereavement coordinator Michaele Connors said in welcoming those in attendance.
“The staff of TCC understands that holidays are an especially difficult time for those who have recently lost family or friends,” Spurr said. “We are glad to be of service, and the Festival of Trees is one way we can help those who are hurting at this time of year.”

The event would not be possible were it not for the work of the TCC volunteer staff, which began preparing for the event in mid-summer.
“Right now, there are approximately 800 angels on the trees,” said Sandy Selvy-Mullis, development and marketing manager for TCC, who said that the volunteers had hand-made a total of “over 1,000” of the angels.
“The work of these volunteers represents a commitment to the people who have improved our lives, and represents those we loved by honoring their memory,” she added.
Kayren Brantley, a TCC patient care volunteer for the past 34 years, spoke of her personal reasons for continuing to volunteer.
“I love doing patient care, and it’s rewarding to visit those patients we serve and getting to know them,” she said.
“And this year has been special in that my mother was a patient we cared for,” adding that she had passed away in January 2024.
Brantley also noted a number of areas in which volunteers can contribute.
“In addition to patient care, volunteers can help with the various events and activities TCC sponsors,” she said. “This can, of course, include making angels, as well as building access ramps to homes, assisting at nursing facilities, and assisting in the office, just to name a few.”
“We have around 40 volunteers,” added Selvy-Mullis, “and we are always happy to get new ones. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer.”

More Details

The Festival of Trees is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Jan. 18, 2025.

Interested in purchasing an angel ornament?

Those wishing to may do so at the TCC main office, 960 N. First St., Albemarle, or online at tillerycompassionatecare.org. Angel ornaments are $13 each.

Interested in sponsoring a tree in the future?

Call TCC at 704-983-4216, or complete a form online at tillerycompassionatecare.org.

Interested in donating to Tillery Compassionate Care, or in volunteering with TCC?

Call TCC at 704-983-4216.