Memory Tree has become a traditional way to let someone know you remember them during the Christmas season. Each year, parents and supporters of Special Olympics have a fundraiser in which a person's name can be placed on an ornament that is hung on the large evergreen tree in Pioneer Square. Decorating of the tree began Tuesday, Nov. 27.

For a donation to Special Olympics, a name can be placed in memory of a loved one who has passed on or in honor of someone living who holds a special place in your heart. For an additional donation, an invitation can be sent to someone to let them know about the special program held 7 p.m. Dec. 7, at the Worland Community Center Complex.

Order forms can be found at: Rocky Mountain Framing, Bryant Funeral Home, Big Horn Federal Bank, and O.W.L. Unlimited. Ornaments are made from CDs donated by folks in the community. Anyone wishing to donate old CDs can drop them off at Bryant Funeral Home. After the season is over the ornaments on the tree are cleaned and recycled for next year's Memory Tree.

THE PROGRAM

According to Yvonne Bryant, one of the organizers of the event, the early years of this tradition involved sitting around the big pine tree on the corner of the courthouse lawn, being warmed by the memories of loved ones as their names were read. Now people gather in the warmth of the Worland Community Center Complex at 7 p.m. and share this time with other friends and neighbors from the surrounding communities. This year's program includes a Message of Hope by Pastor Kayilu Pfoze with music provided by him and his wife, Denise. Each name will be honored as they are read aloud at the ceremony.

"Many of those who attend the ceremony for the first time are experiencing their first Christmas without their loved one. It is a hard time to miss someone when the people around you seem so carefree and happy. As they look around the room, they are amazed to see so many other families feeling the same way that they do. We hope that this little program can bring peace to people in remembering those who have gone on before us and yet are still so fresh in our memories that it hurts," Bryant said.

Washakie County Special Olympics is appreciative of the help they receive to keep our program going. Memory Tree is a way that volunteers and athletes try to "give back" to those in our area. Donations made through this fundraising or sent to the state office may be designated to help local athletes by writing "Washakie County" on the memo line of a check made to Special Olympics. This ensures that these funds are used locally to help the Washakie County team.