Mind-blowing is an accurate description for the amount of community support ongoing for Emporia’s Wreaths Across America ceremony next month.
Organizers finished off the fundraising aspect of the ceremony with an Honor a Hero event at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, giving residents to donate both time and service to the Wreaths Across America cause while saying “thank you” to veterans, military service personnel, emergency responders and law enforcement for the work they do and have done. Organizer Clay Childs, a guest on KVOE’s 7:05 am newscast Wednesday, says the finishing kick was astounding, starting with almost $1,800 in cash donations from the drive-thru event.
But wait — there’s more, thanks to JM Smucker, better known as Hostess.
All this means goal has been met for this year and there is a strong foundation for the 2026 event.
Childs was grateful for the community support.
Besides fundraising, a big push through the Honor a Hero event was to gain volunteers. Childs says a lot of volunteers have stepped up, but a lot more are needed.
To volunteer, go online to wreathsacrossamerica.org/ksmmlc or find Wreaths Across America – Maplewood Memorial Lawn on Facebook.
The ceremony is at 11 am Dec. 13 at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Video from Tuesday’s Honor a Hero event is on KVOE’s YouTube channel.
