Auxiliary Tree of Love Lighting Dec 10
Midwest Medical Tree of Love lighting set for Dec. 10
GALENA, Ill. — The Midwest Medical Auxiliary invites the public to “Light the Season with Love” during its annual Tree of Love lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. The Tree of Love—adorned with more than 500 ornaments honoring and remembering special people—will be officially lit for the season.
The ceremony will take place on the Midwest Medical Center’s main campus, 1 Medical Center Drive in Galena, in the South Lobby near Rehabilitation and Galena Roasters Bistro. The event will feature live music from the Galena Center for the Arts’ Love Notes and include refreshments. The Auxiliary is also planning a drawing for a holiday gift basket for attendees. The event is free and open to the public. The Auxiliary’s Gift Shop will also offer extended hours until 8 p.m. for holiday shoppers.
The Tree of Love is one of the Auxiliary’s primary annual fundraisers. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the purchase of anesthesia equipment for the hospital’s new surgery expansion, scheduled for completion in spring 2026.
The Tree of Love will remain on display in the South Lobby through January 1, 2026. A commemorative poster with names listed will also be on display beginning December 10, and full-page listings with names will be in The Galena Gazette and The Flash newspaper publications the last week in December. If you would like to sponsor an ornament or make a donation to the Auxiliary, please visit MMCGalena.org/TOL2025.
The Midwest Medical Auxiliary is a volunteer organization of more than 100 members committed to supporting the Midwest Medical Center. In alignment with the Midwest mission of providing “Health Care with Heart,” the Auxiliary focuses on enhancing the patient and resident experience. Members assist with activities for the senior care community—such as bingo, card writing and resident visits—and organize fundraisers and operate the hospital Gift Shop. Proceeds help support training, equipment purchases and facility enhancements that benefit patients, senior care residents, fitness members and the overall community.
For more information, visit MMCGalena.org/Auxiliary.
Events for January 2026
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January 18, 2026January 19, the third Monday of the Month, is referred to as “Blue Monday” and is known to be the saddest day of the year. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I see firsthand the emotional weight winter can bring. Still, it is important to note that mental health is far more complex than a single day on the calendar. Even so, “Blue Monday” gives us the opportunity to talk about something real: Why this time of year can feel heavy, and what can WE do about it. Amanda Kriebs, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Midwest Medical Center who provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. She is dedicated to helping patients feel supported, understood, and empowered—especially during life’s most challenging seasons. To schedule an appointment, contact Midwest Health Clinic at 815-776-7381.
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January 14, 2026With the increase in respiratory illness in the community, Midwest Medical Center has implemented temporary visitor restrictions to help control the spread of illness and protect our patients.