It is the time of year when many in Southern Maryland feel the need to give back to the community. The holidays bring out the charitable spirit in all of us. During this time of peace, harmony and good will toward our fellow citizens, is the time when many reach deep and give what they can to help those less fortunate.

Consider the Friends of Calvert Hospice hopes that this spirit will continue at their twentieth annual Festival of Trees.

This year’s celebration will take place from Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 30 at Huntingtown High School. Participants are invited to take part in the celebration by purchasing a Festival tree where their tree, along with over 70 others, will transform Huntingtown High School into a winter wonderland drawing crowds from all over to the Festival of Trees, which has become Calvert’s traditional holiday season kick-off event.

Festival trees are purchased by individuals, families, and businesses in memory of a loved one or simply as a way to contribute to Calvert Hospice. Those purchasing trees may choose to decorate the tree, or have it decorated for them. At the end of the Festival, the trees are delivered to the purchaser’s home, business or charitable organization of choice in Calvert County.

The Friends of Calvert Hospice want to make sure that people are aware that there are other opportunities for involvement in addition to the Festival. These opportunities include purchasing a business advertisement in the Festival of Trees program or sponsoring the Preview Dinner and Auction. Others may contribute by purchasing a poinsettia, which will be a part of the beautiful multi-tiered poinsettia trees, in honor or memory of a loved one.

The Festival committee takes donations of items, services or trips for the auction held on Friday, Nov. 28, as well as donations of unique craft items for the Friends of Calvert Hospice Gift Shop.

All are encouraged to involve their organization, scout troop or group by decorating a Festival tree.

All proceeds benefit the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House. For event information, visit www.calverthospice.org or call (410) 535-0892 or (301) 855-1226. Preview dinner and auction tickets must be purchased in advance at the Friends of Hospice offices located at 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. The hearing impaired may contact the organization by using calling (800) 735-2258.