Wreaths Across America is returning to Emporia this December and organizer Scott Burnheide has an ambitious goal for this year.
Burnheide says he is planning to place a wreath on every local veteran’s grave at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery which comes to just over 1,600 total wreaths. During an appearance on KVOE’s Morning Show Tuesday, Burnheide says over 90 of said wreaths have already been sponsored with another 100 on the way thanks to their first corporate sponsor Visit Emporia.
With that in mind, Burnheide says they are still looking to secure additional corporate and individual sponsors at this time and provided a list of upcoming events at which Wreaths Across America will be involved and where residents can learn more about the cause.
The cost of each wreath is $17 and individuals can sponsor wreaths either through WreathsAcrossAmerica.com or through local organizations such as Beacon For Hope and the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial. Burnheide says for those who sponsor through this way, the organization they choose will receive $5 back to support their missions.
Burnheide also tells KVOE News America Legion Post 5 is involved in a program known as “three for two” meaning for every two wreaths sponsored through the legion they will receive a third free of charge.
In addition to wreath sponsors, Burnheide says he is also in need of volunteers who can help to pick up and place Wreaths on veterans’ graves. The local Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place at 11 am on December 14 and should last approximately 45 minutes.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, volunteers will begin placing the wreaths on veteran headstones. For more information visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org or email Burnheide at EmporiaKSWAA@outlook.com.