Wreaths Across America seeking sponsors for Abraham Lincoln cemetery wreath laying

ELWOOD – Halloween still is a month away, but Debbie Bennett is already thinking about Christmas.

More specifically, she’s thinking about the wreaths that will be placed on the graves of the veterans buried in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery as part of a nationwide effort held every year during the holiday season.

Bennett is the location leader for the work that the national nonprofit, Wreaths Across America, has planned for the Abraham Lincoln cemetery. She is seeking sponsors for the wreaths.

“We’re going to honor those who served and remember them always,” she said.

A wreath sponsorship is $15. For each sponsorship, $5 of the amount goes to Operation Care Package – a national nonprofit Bennett began that sends care packages to military members overseas – and to fund more wreaths.

Last year, about 9,400 wreaths were placed on graves at Abraham Lincoln cemetery, according to the 2016 wreath sponsorship form, but there are about 45,000 veterans buried there.

Bennett hopes to someday have a wreath for every grave.

Sponsorships are due Nov. 21, and can submitted online or by mail. Anyone requesting a wreath for a particular grave must mail in the sponsorship form to Bennett’s address in Dittmer, Missouri. Bennett moved to Dittmer earlier in the year, but still holds her work for Abraham Lincoln cemetery close to her heart.

“I just can’t imagine not doing it,” she said.

The wreaths will be placed by volunteers Dec. 17 at the cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood. A ceremony at 11 a.m. will precede the wreath-laying and the day’s events will be followed by a free lunch at Stone City VFW, 124 Stone City Drive, Joliet.

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HOW TO HELP

To obtain a sponsorship form or inquire about volunteering on the day of the wreath laying, email Bennett at proudarmysis4@sbcglobal.net or call her at 815-693-3215. To sign up online as a sponsor, visit www.operationcarepackages.org/Christmas/WreathsAcrossAmerica.html.