Those who wish to remember and honor their loved ones are invited to participate in a Memorial Tree Tribute at the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home in Tamaqua.

Folks can bring ornaments to the 655 E. Broad St. funeral home, and from there, they’ll be placed on an outside tree.

They can also pick up a luminary bag to decorate and put in a garden near the tree.

“Right now and through the years, we have 147 ornaments that people have brought here in memory of their loved ones,” said Sandy Kleckner, office manager.

She explained that the tribute began in 2018 and has been held every year since. It started because many who lose loved ones experience mixed feelings during the holidays.

Often, she said, families come with fun ornaments and ideas.

For example, the family of a plumber brought an ornament of a plumber holding a wrench — and revealing what’s known as “plumber’s crack.”

And the family of “Deano” Konstas, who ran the Texas Lunch in Tamaqua, brought a Styrofoam hot dog to signify the restaurant’s famous chili dogs, she said.

To remember “Harmonica Mike” Corinchock, there’s an ornament shaped like a harmonica.

“They can bring whatever they want,” Kleckner said.

They can also pick up white paper luminary bags to decorate.

“Sometimes families sit around the table at Thanksgiving and decorate the bags,” she said. “There is a family that picks up 10 bags each year to decorate.”

They’re lighted with battery powered candles and surround the tree.

Participation is free, and no affiliation to the funeral home is necessary.

Kleckner notifies local churches of the event each year in hopes that members will participate.

She said ornaments and luminary bags are due to the funeral home by Dec. 3. The tree will be lighted beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5.

Ornaments will remain on the tree through Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 15. People are invited to walk or drive by.

“People come. They come and look for their ornaments,” she said.

At times, she said, she’ll see people talking to each other about their loved ones as they admire the tree.

Photos will be posted under “events” on the funeral home’s website, and on its Facebook page. Kleckner also keeps a list of participants’ names.

When the ornaments are removed, Kleckner cleans them and packs them away for future tributes.

For more information, contact the funeral home at 570-668-2550 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.