NEW LENOX, IL -- The New Lenox Fire Protection District will again sponsor wreaths that will be placed at veterans grave sites at the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood this year and is asking members of the community for donations to their effort. The effort is part of the Wreaths Across America campaign, and the NLFPD has a goal to provide as many wreaths as possible to the Elwood cemetery that has about 50,000 grave sites.

"It is our goal to sponsor and provide as many wreaths as possible to help fill the void and honor each veteran's gravesite through the Wreaths Across America program," Skip Minger, NLFPD Trustee and Wreath Committee Chairman, said.

It would take about 1,800 wreaths to cover one section of the cemetery. A realistic goal according to the committee.

"We were ecstatic to more than double the donations from our first year to over $16,000 which provided 1050 wreaths," Minger said. "This year, we have again partnered with the local American Legion, Culver's, Jersey Mike's, VFW, and the Village of New Lenox to help us with our goal of covering one section of the cemetery. Members of the committee have also donated their time in passing out information and donation forms to more than 500 local businesses in hopes of jump starting the effort this year.



To donate, make checks out to the New Lenox Fire District until Nov. 10. Cash will also be accepted. Donations can be made payable to "Wreaths for Veterans" and mailed to: NLFPD, 261 E. Maple Street, New Lenox, IL 60451. Several donation boxes can also be found at local businesses who are supporting the cause. Each wreath costs $15, however any donation is appreciated.

The wreaths will be taken to the cemetery this winter on Wreaths Across America Day by trustees, personnel, cadets and friends of the New Lenox Fire Protection District.

"It is such an amazing experience to be able to participate on this day and show our respect to the veterans who have passed and their families who have sacrificed so much. It is an honor to be able to do this for them," Minger said.