Tree-plantings are among the symbolic events taking place across Iowa this week as part of Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. Paul Sodders, spokesman for the Iowa Donor Network, says it’s a week in which donor families and living donors are thanked for their sacrifices. Sodders says people who want to be organ and tissue donors have to make those wishes known to their families. He says having the box checked on a person’s drivers license is not enough under the law. Sodders says the next-of-kin must confirm the legal donation of the deceased organs. Sodders says Iowa just reached an “unfortunate milestone” in regards to organ donation.For the first time, more than 300 Iowans are on a waiting list for organs. The number is 75-thousand nationwide. In Iowa, more than 200 of the 300 are waiting for new kidneys. For more information, surf to “www.iadn.org” or call 800 831-4131.