Organ donation: Giving the Gift of Life this Christmas

KTIV NBC4, Siouxland's News Channel | Mark Victoria

For many, the holiday season is a time of anticipation, a time of giving, and receiving.

But for folks in need of an organ donation, the anticipation lasts all year long and could mean the difference between life and death.

In the lobby of Mercy Medical stands a Christmas Tree.

But this tree symbolizes more than the upcoming holiday, it also stands for the donors who gave their organs, tissues, and eyes to those in need.

Titled "The Giving Tree" this is the first year the tree has been set up, and organizers hope it calls attention to the cause.

"To create awareness in other people so that they do talk about donation in their families. It's very difficult sometimes to talk about death, but it is something that none of us will escape and it is such a vital gift that we can give to someone," said Mary Ann O'Dell, Donation Specialist with the Iowa Donor Network.
Read more: http://www.ktiv.com/story/16148091/give-the-gift-of-organ-donation