FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- A group of community volunteers involved in Christmas Honors hopes to replace the bulk of 16,500 Christmas wreaths next year.
Christmas Honors started back in 2009, and is part of a national program called Wreaths Across America. Each December, thousands of community volunteers from all over the region come together to transform the United State National Cemetery at Fort Smith by placing one wreath on each of the thousands of headstones in honor of every man and woman’s service to our country.
The 16,500 wreaths that need to be replaced will be a significant financial cost to the organization.
“Our blessings continue with our partnership with Kelly Clark and Walmart #125 team," shared Philip Merry, Chairman of the program. "In 2009, they provided us with wreaths for $5/each. Today 7 years later, the price remains the same. We are thrilled to be able to provide everyone the opportunity to support a veteran for just $5. $5 for a wreath supports a veteran for 5 years. $25 honors 5 veterans for 5 years and so on. The math is simple, but the impact extraordinary.”
With 16,500 wreaths at $5 each, the cost for the group will average $82,500.
The new wreath order will be placed next summer.
"Together we will all ensure that no veterans are ever forgotten in the Fort Smith region," stated Lea Taylor, Secretary and Marketing Chair.
If you would like to donate to the program online, CLICK HERE. All donations are tax deductible. You can also send donations to the following address:
Christmas Honors Attention: Sheri Neely, Treasurer
P.O. Box 180812, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72918