• Article Photo. A boys tree made by Coleen Long features gifts and toys for them
    A boys tree made by Coleen Long features gifts and toys for them
  • Article Photo. Farmers Savings Bank & Trust-Vinton donated this wreath.
    Farmers Savings Bank & Trust-Vinton donated this wreath.
  • Article Photo. LaGrange Pharmacy staff created this Hawkeye themed tree.
    LaGrange Pharmacy staff created this Hawkeye themed tree.
  • Article Photo. Jenny Northrup organized the first VGH Tree Walk last year; this year she created a Vegas tree.
    Jenny Northrup organized the first VGH Tree Walk last year; this year she created a Vegas tree.
  • Article Photo. Cheryl Knaack from Nature's Corner created this wreath.
    Cheryl Knaack from Nature's Corner created this wreath.
  • Article Photo. Santa is displayed on this tree.
    Santa is displayed on this tree.
  • Article Photo. This tree celebrates the life of Keith Mossman.
    This tree celebrates the life of Keith Mossman.
  • Article Photo. Baby baskets with afghans are also part of the VGH Tree Walk.
    Baby baskets with afghans are also part of the VGH Tree Walk.
  • Article Photo. Lighted decorations replace the tree destroyed by the July storm.
    Lighted decorations replace the tree destroyed by the July storm.
  • Article Photo. The VS cooks' snowman tree
    The VS cooks' snowman tree
  • Article Photo. Kareen Langham decorated and donated this tree.
    Kareen Langham decorated and donated this tree.
  • Article Photo. This tree is a tribute to 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' and includes Lottery tickets.
    This tree is a tribute to 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' and includes Lottery tickets.
  • Article Photo. Author Stephonie Williams donated this tree made with hand-crafted ornaments.
    Author Stephonie Williams donated this tree made with hand-crafted ornaments.
  • Article Photo. Tharp Design's 'Sassy Diva' tree has a crown, not an angel on top.
    Tharp Design's 'Sassy Diva' tree has a crown, not an angel on top.
  • Article Photo. Dog lovers will find many things to appreciate about this tree made by Marcey Jensen.
    Dog lovers will find many things to appreciate about this tree made by Marcey Jensen.
  • Article Photo. A variety of themes, colors, ornaments and gifts adorn the VGH tree walk entries.
    A variety of themes, colors, ornaments and gifts adorn the VGH tree walk entries.
  • Article Photo. The Material Girls chose this Cafe Cocoa theme.
    The Material Girls chose this Cafe Cocoa theme.
  • Article Photo. The Windsor Manor staff created this 'Comforts of Home' tree under the wreath by Cheryl Knaack.
    The Windsor Manor staff created this 'Comforts of Home' tree under the wreath by Cheryl Knaack.
  • Article Photo. Kim Swore chose a fall harvest theme.
    Kim Swore chose a fall harvest theme.
  • Article Photo. Taylor and Peyton Frank decorated this Disney tree.
    Taylor and Peyton Frank decorated this Disney tree.
  • Article Photo. Linda Ebert created this theme of Heavenly Hymns.
    Linda Ebert created this theme of Heavenly Hymns.
  • Article Photo. Kevin and Deb Kacena created this 'rustic' Christmas tree display.
    Kevin and Deb Kacena created this 'rustic' Christmas tree display.
  • Article Photo. .... from VGH and its employees.
    .... from VGH and its employees.
  • Article Photo. Kim Frank decorated this Victorian tree.
    Kim Frank decorated this Victorian tree.
  • Article Photo. The AFLAC duck tops this tree.
    The AFLAC duck tops this tree.
  • Article Photo. Another view of Linda Ebert's Heavenly Hymns tree.
    Another view of Linda Ebert's Heavenly Hymns tree.
  • Article Photo. The 'Let it Snow' tree from Kurt's Enterprises.
    The 'Let it Snow' tree from Kurt's Enterprises.

       The Virginia Gay Hospital Holiday Tree Walk and silent auction has returned to Virginia Gay Hospital. Already there are several bids for every tree, wreath and baby basket on display.

     The first Holiday Tree Walk, in 2010, was the idea of Jenny Northrup and Kim Frank. Jenny, a member of the Cardiopulmonary Services Department, mentioned the idea to some of the others there. They quickly agreed. Soon the idea spread to other departments, including Respiratory Care, Nuclear Medicine and Human Resources.
     Like last year, the sponsor is Edward Jones. 
     This year, Jenny has created a "Vegas" tree. The high bidder for this tree will also receive gift certificates from eastern Iowa casinos. Jenny visited Vegas this year, but said she had the idea for the tree before going there. Some of the decorations are from Las Vegas; the others she searched for on-line. 
     The trees and wreaths will be on display throughout most of November. The auction will end before Thanksgiving, allowing the people who buy the trees to take them home as the Christmas decorating season starts. The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21. 
     "If it is anything like last year, the lobby was full with last minute bidders.... it was crazy!" said Frank. "Bid sheets are out and already a huge success."
     More than 20 trees and a few wreaths fill the VGH lobby.
     "There are so many beautiful trees and wreaths in the VGH lobby," said VGH Foundation Director Mike Timmermans. "They're even better than last year, and all of the funds raised will support digital mammography at VGH. Thanks to all who have donated and worked hard to make this happen."