About the Tree

The Tree of Love is illuminated on the first Sunday in December, and the lights continue burning each night throughout the holiday season. Each light on the Tree of Love is representative of a tribute gift made in honor or memory of someone special. Collectively, these gifts represent caring and remembrance during the holiday season.

The 2021 Dedication

While a tribute gift can be made in anyone's honor or memory, the Foundation Board selects a distinguished honoree each year whom the Tree of Love is dedicated to. The 2021 Tree of Love is dedicated in honor of Sampson Regional Medical Center Employees.

During this unprecedented time, our community hospital staff has been a beacon of light for us all. They have provided life saving care, food for our patients and kept the hospital safe and clean. This year we lead the community in an outpouring of support and appreciation of our greatest asset, our staff.

The 2021 Project

Funds raised through the annual Tree of Love are designated toward the purchase of an ambulance, which will improve the care of our patients needing transport to tertiary care facilities. On average, 70 patients per month require transfer to higher level care facilities. A dedicated ambulance will ensure efficient transfer of critical care patients and lessen transport wait times.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony

Traditionally, the Foundation Board hosts a tree lighting ceremony on the first Sunday in December with a program dedicated to the distinguished honoree. Community members and donors gather to celebrate the recognition and join in fellowship for the tree lighting. This year, the Tree of Love lighting will be held Sunday, December 5th at 4:00pm on the hospital front lawn. Community members, donors and honorees are invited to attend the lighting ceremony and view the Tree of Love throughout the holiday season.

The History

The Tree of Love is an annual project of the Sampson Regional Medical Center Foundation that was started more than 30 years ago by the Sampson County Medical Society Alliance. The hospital foundation took ownership of the Tree of Love in 2006. Since that time, more than $200,000 has been raised to support various hospital projects, including medical equipment and renovations.

Tree of Love 2021

By Sampson Regional Medical Center Foundation

Tree of Love 2021

Honoring Sampson Regional Medical Center Employees

Team Members