Wreaths Across America has been scheduled for Dec. 13, but there is a lot of work ahead of the actual ceremony.
Much of the work is in securing wreaths for the better than 2,300 veterans laid to rest at Emporia’s Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Lead organizer Scott Burenheide says close to 700 soldiers were honored with wreaths last year. So far this year, close to 350 have been arranged. The goal is over 1,600 this year, and Burenheide says the Wreaths Across Mission is simple.
There are almost 2,500 participating Wreaths Across America sites nationwide, including nearly 90 in Kansas.
This year, Burenheide’s efforts will be bolstered by several organizers of this summer’s The Wall That Heals efforts, including Clay Childs and Richelle Birk — a presence Burenheide calls a “dream team” for this year’s work. Childs wants to see the energy from The Wall That Heals evident for Wreaths Across America.
Childs wants to see a lot of activity between now and Nov. 25.
Birk says a sponsorship challenge is designed to help. She says having $1,700 business or private sponsorships will raise enough money to buy nearly 130 wreaths through a partnership with the American Legion.
Birk says there is a special effort to connect with Wall That Heals supporters over the next few weeks.
Wreaths are $17 each. If you can’t donate money, Burenheide asks you to donate time.
More information is available at wreathsacrossamerica.org/KSMMLC or the local Facebook page, Wreaths Across America – Maplewood Memorial Lawn. Residents wanting to donate funds to the effort locally can drop off money at Sweet Granada, Nature’s Paradise or Bobby D’s Merchant Street BBQ. Residents can also donate or secure wreaths at Freedom Fest or the American Legion’s Second Saturday breakfast, both this upcoming Saturday.
