Donations sought for Wreaths Across America
Donations are being sought for this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony to be held at Sarasota National Cemetery at the end of the year.
Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization, began after Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath donated 5,000 wreaths in 1992 to be laid on the stones at Arlington National Cemetery. After photographs were displayed on the Internet of wreaths covering stones in snow in 2005, the idea took off and the Wreaths Across America was formed.
Since Worcester could not donate thousands of wreaths to each state, he decided to donate seven wreaths to each to represent the branches of the military, along with POW/MIA. Since then, the ceremony has taken place throughout the United States on the second Saturday in December.
Last year, the treasurer for the Pine Island VFW Auxiliary decided to get involved in Wreaths Across America. Jill Davidson collected $1,725 in less than two weeks from the community, which was enough money to put 115 wreaths on the fallen comrades’ sites at Sarasota National Cemetery.
A total of 1,979 wreaths were placed on gravesites Dec. 10, 2011, at the cemetery.
The need of wreaths this year is expected to increase due to the construction that is taking place. Last year they had 4,100 gravesites at the Sarasota National Cemetery, which may increase to 6,000 this year.
The reason Davidson is seeking donations so early is because she wants to provide the winter visitors with the opportunity to donate to the cause before they travel back home for the summer.
Those who wish to donate can either purchase a wreath for $15 or donate any amount of money they choose.
“I am happy to accept anything,” Davidson said.
A check can be mailed to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 432, St. James City, FL, 33956-0432. The check must be paid to SMA/Wreaths.
Those interested in finding out more information about Wreaths Across America can call Davidson at 239-283-1826.