Special Feature

This holiday season, Community Grief Support (CGS) is celebrating the lives of those we’ve loved and lost in our community. At a time when there has been such exacerbated grief due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other losses, the Homewood community is finding hope and healing in an uplifting and positive way.

The “Tree of Lights” Memorial, taking place in November and December, will honor our late loved ones with the lighting of a 12-foot holiday tree in Homewood’s Central Park. In addition to the memorial tree, this year we will celebrate with an official “Tree of Lights” event on Sunday, November 20 from 3:30-5:30pm at Homewood Central Park. The family and pet-friendly event will include Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, refreshments, and a bounce house. “We believe that the “Tree of Lights” will bring the community of Homewood and Birmingham together to provide a much-needed memorial and balm for our losses,” said Catherine Pittman Smith, Administrative Director of Community Grief Support. Sponsor a light on the “Tree of Lights” by making a donation at different levels and receive gifts to commemorate lost loved one(s):

$25 donation. Illuminates one memorial light and sponsorship card will be sent to up to three addresses.

$75 donation. Same as $25 donation, plus an antique gold memorial ornament calligraphed with the loved one’s name.

$100 donation. Same as $25 donation, plus a hand built memorial luminary to light in honor of the loved one.

All proceeds go to provide completely free individual, couples and family grief counseling; loss-specific grief support groups; and community grief education programs such as the annual community service program, Hope for the Holidays. This year, CGS is hosting four free Hope for the Holidays community workshops throughout Birmingham on November 5, 12, and 19 from 9-11:30 a.m. A virtual option is available on November 5. These programs are designed to prepare you for your first holiday season without your loved one. This year’s speakers include bereavement care expert and counselor Steve Sweatt, LPC/LMFT and Pastor Leanne Reed from Southminster Presbyterian Church. The speakers will provide information on coping tips such as planning ahead for your holiday season, informing others of your needs, and more. At the seminar, participants will be given an outline for making your own holiday plan so that you are more prepared for dealing with the feelings you will experience.  You’ll also receive a keepsake booklet with ways to memorialize their loved one. For more information about Hope for the Holidays or the “Tree of Lights” and to register, call CGS at 205-870-8667 or visit www.communitygriefsupport.org. †