Anona Oliver is nearly 82 years old, but that didn't stop her from making - for the 30th straight year - 26 quilts for Primary Children's Medical Center and for the annual Festival of Trees.
Oliver is an example of why the festival is called "a gift of love.""I had a nephew that got burned pretty badly when he was about 10. I started making quilts when I got him into Primary Children's Hospital. Then a great-grandson had a tumor and died at 18 months old. I'm pleased and thankful I can do this. I have poor health, but I can quilt. Since I lost that little grandson, I've wanted to do it. This is a treat," said Oliver, who lives in Price.
In fact, "I've already delivered my quilts for the Festival of Trees and made two for next year," she said.
The Festival of Trees, in its 22nd year, draws hundreds of people who share tender feelings for Primary Children's Medical Center. In the years before the beginning of the festival, Oliver gave her quilts directly to Primary Children's Medical Center.
The festival features more than 300 beautifully decorated Christmas trees that can be purchased. Proceeds from the sale will go to provide medical care for needy children.
Each tree is lovingly decorated - and tells a poignant story.
Women of the Relief Society of the Bennion Heights 7th Ward decided to donate a tree for their Sesquicentennial service project. Jodi Shumway, Linda Terry and Taunie Roethel decided that dedicating a tree to 3-year-old Sara Baxter, who has cancer, would be a fitting tribute.
Originally the tree theme was "For the Hope of Sara," said Terry. "She was in remission, but now she's not doing so well. So the tree is for `Sara Our Little Angel.' She's just hanging on by a thread," Terry said.
"Working for this one special person really brought the sisters in our ward close. We made the ornaments - tiny porcelain babies in long white blessing dresses. They even have headbands with a little rosette like in a picture we have of Sara. In front of the tree there is a porcelain doll in a cradle, a tea set with a rag doll and bunny and a porcelain doll on a little horse pull toy."
"People have wanted to help the family, but there's not much you can do. We've been able to channel that energy into this project. I think the family has felt the love and support from all the people who have helped with the tree. It's been a real good experience," said Shumway.
The tree that was started in hope may honor the toddler at her funeral, showing the love and concern of friends and neighbors.
Over the years, the festival has raised more than $6 million for charity care.
Whether the trees are created out of gratitude or in bittersweet remembrance of little ones who didn't make it - the theme is love and extending the hope of treatment to all children, regardless of ability to pay.
In addition to a display of trees, the festival features a Sweet Shoppe with tantalizing homemade candies, popcorn balls and yeast and dessert breads; the Aisle of Wreaths that showcases door decorations; child-size dream houses at Playhouse Plaza; a display of centerpieces; other refreshments, including gingerbread houses, cookies and hot scones; a Kid's Korner; entertainment; and Santa Land - all created to benefit Primary Children's Medical Center.
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(Additional information)
1992 Festival of Trees\ When: Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 2-5, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
Where: Salt Palace Exhibition Hall, Salt Lake City.
Cost: Tickets at the door, $3 adults, $1.75 for children 11 and under.
Discount tickets through branches of Zions Bank, $2.50/adults, $1.50/children.
Purpose: All proceeds are used to provide medical care at Primary Children's Medical Center for needy children from the Intermountain area.
History: During the previous 21 festivals, more than $6 million has been raised for charity care. Last year's festival provided funds to care for 1,400 sick children. Organized by an 82-member, all-volunteer board that recruits committees of 10 members for a full committee of 800. Thousands more make items for sale, decorate trees and volunteer service.