By  mid-December, the nursing staff at  Richfield 3 East didn’t have a theme for their Christmas tree when head nurse, Angie Hash had an idea:  decorate the tree in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

“It just touched all of us deep down in our hearts,” said unit secretary, Katherine Kinney.

The tree is decked out in green and white, Sandy Hook’s school colors. Hanging from the limbs are green and white bulbs, each with a child victim’s name attached. Adult victims are recognized with their name on a clear bulb.  Angels also adorn the holiday tribute.

“I made a banner and we have had random employees from the floor add to the tree. But Angie did most of it,” Kinney said.

Two bears sit at the base with a banner that reads “God Bless Sandy Hook Elementary School Community.” The tree was created on Monday.

“Everyone thinks it’s beautiful,” Kinney said. “Everyone stops and stares and says a prayer.”

-Danielle Dunaway