Volunteers, donations sought for Wreaths Across America Day

Local volunteers will once again honor veterans laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

This year, the ceremony, held simultaneously across the country at more than 1,600 locations, will be at noon, Dec. 15. The goal is to place a live, balsam fir wreath at the headstone of every veteran buried there and spread patriotism and commemoration for the ultimate sacrifices they made for the country, according to a news release.

From now until the end of November, volunteers will be selling wreaths to honor the approximately 1,600 veterans at Evergreen.

Each wreath sponsorship costs $15, with $5 going to New Connecticut National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Fifty percent of the profit will be donated to assist local veterans and the balance will be set aside for a Good Citizenship scholarship for an outstanding area senior high school student and for expenses, the release stated.

“Every donation and wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from an appreciative supporter who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, in the release.

As a result of last year’s event, a donation of $810 was made to Dogs 4 Warriors, $270 to Project Hope to assist in housing for homeless veterans, and $500 was given as a Good Citizen Scholarship, the release stated.

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free event, open to all. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/2CzWp6L.

Donations can also be mailed to Wreaths Across America, 6575 Hudson Ave., Mentor, OH 44060.