Fundraisers to be held for Wreaths Across America

The Rio Colorado Republican Women’s Club will be holding four fundraisers next month to collect donations for its annual Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremonies.

All the money collected will be used to buy wreaths to be laid across the graves of veterans at the City of Yuma’s Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery and the Sunset Vista Cemetery in the Foothills.

The ceremonies are scheduled for Dec. 14, and are to be held at 10 a.m. at Desert Lawn and noon at Sunset Vista. Each wreath costs $15. All donations are tax deductible and family members are able to donate a wreath and request that it be placed on their loved one’s grave.

On Nov. 2, the Rio Colorado

Republican Women’s Club will have a table set up outside Sam’s Club, which is located in the Yuma Palms Shopping Center, at 1462 S Pacific Ave, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

There will also be two restaurant takeovers, with the first happening on Nov. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at Lutes Casino, 221 S Main St., the other being on Nov. 19 at the Brewers at 24th Street and Avenue B from 5-9 p.m.

Lastly, on a table will be set up outside of Sam’s Club again on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Winnie Moir, who is chairing the committee for the organization for her first time, said last year was the third time it was done in Yuma and that each year they have been able to increase the number of wreaths purchased, receiving enough money to buy 963 last year. In 2017, 595 wreaths were placed.

The goal this year, however, is to place a wreath at the grave of every veteran buried in Yuma County, so none go uncovered again.

Moir estimates that there are about 3,000 veterans buried in various cemeteries in Yuma County, with a majority being at Desert Lawn and Sunset Vista.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Moir at 928-502-0238.

Donations can be made at any time by sending a check made out to Wreaths Across America and mailed to 1892 W Camino Pradera, Yuma, AZ 85364.