Tree of Angels event offered support to crime victims and their families

Survivors of crime and relatives of victims who died because of crime gathered at the Coryell Museum and Historical Center recently to remember their loved ones and to thank those who stood by them through the darkest of times. The event, known as the Tree of Angels, celebrated their seventh year of showing support to the community and their needs.

Eleven Christmas trees were set up in honor of crime victims who died, and a 12^th tree represented survivors. Family members or friends of those who died were able to place an angel on a tree in their memory, and survivors or their loved ones were able to place a dove on the survivor tree to celebrate their triumph over adversity.

“This gathering is very dear to my heart,” said Jenny Featherston, crime victims’ assistance coordinator for Coryell County.  At last year’s Tree of Angels, Featherston said “We want to celebrate their loved ones with them, and it’s a reunion for us to be with them and let them know we still support them.” Her feelings remain the same today.

Coryell County District Attorney Dusty Boyd, assistant DAs and other staff also attended the event, and voiced their support for victims and those who care about them. “This event is always very special to us, as we enter this challenging time of the year when the feeling of the loss of loved ones and hearts are heavy, we hope that the relationships that have been forged through our shared experiences are ones of commitment and strength,” Boyd said. He also mentioned that the Tree of Angels provides an important platform allowing them [the DA’s office] to stay connected to the victims and their families and allow them to continue to forge and strengthen new relationships for those who have lost so much.

Boyd is quick to praise Featherston who has the dual role of working for the DA’s office and coordinating efforts for the nonprofit Hidden Gem, and other volunteers for their efforts.

This year’s Tree of Angels was considered to be a great success to those attending.  “It is always a very special event to us,” Boyd said.