CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Hundreds of victims' families gathered Thursday night at the Nueces County Courthouse. They were there to help decorate a Christmas tree -- not so much to celebrate the holidays, but in honor of their loved ones lost to homicide.
The Nueces County District Attorney's Office held its 26th annual Tree of Angels, where people from all walks of life came together to remember their family members who were taken by violent crimes.
Families at the event were able to take ornaments with their loved ones’ names and pictures and place them on a Christmas tree.
Mary Encinia lost her daughter Kimberly in a hit-and-run car accident 11 years ago. She said an event like the Tree of Angels helps her feel less alone in her grieving.
"It is amazing how people can love on each other, and we don't even know each other, because we're here for the same reason,” she said. “You know, just to get strength from each other and to just take it one day at a time."
Since losing her daughter, Encina said she's had to learn a lot on how to carry on without her. But she does find comfort in being able to help others that are coping with their loss.
"It is a very traumatic experience that we go through -- losing a loved one,” she said. “I just love on them and tell them ‘Give each other your phone numbers.’ You know, we just lift each other up in prayer and just help each other every step of the way."
If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season, there are support groups around the Coastal Bend you can turn to. For help finding those, click here.