The Horton Wreath Society in Suffolk, Virginia, has successfully reached its fundraising goal of $20,000, ensuring that 14,000 wreaths will be placed at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery this holiday season. This achievement comes after a community effort to support the nonprofit, which honors fallen veterans by laying wreaths on their graves.
Key Takeaways
- The Horton Wreath Society reached its $20,000 fundraising goal.
- Over 14,000 wreaths will be placed at the veterans cemetery.
- Community involvement included local high school students preparing wreaths.
- The wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled for this weekend.
Community Support Makes a Difference
The Horton Wreath Society has been dedicated to honoring veterans for 17 years. This year, the organization faced a significant challenge as they sought to raise funds to cover the cost of wreaths. With the number of veterans buried at the cemetery increasing by approximately 1,000 each year, the need for community support has never been greater.
Mike Yarbrough, a representative of the Horton Wreath Society, expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, stating, "You helped us, we made our goal of making the money we needed to purchase all 14,000 wreaths and so of course now any extra we get carries over to the next year because next year we will need more."
Student Involvement
Local high school students played a crucial role in preparing for the wreath-laying ceremony. On Thursday morning, students from Nansemond River, King’s Fork, and Lakeland High Schools worked diligently to get the wreaths ready. Additionally, students from Grassfield High School in Chesapeake contributed their time and effort earlier in the week.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony Details
The wreath-laying ceremony will take place this weekend, providing families an opportunity to honor their loved ones. Here are the key details:
- Date and Time:
- Location:
Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. - Transportation for Volunteers:
Volunteers can catch a bus at King’s Fork High School at 7 a.m. on Saturday to reach the cemetery.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s fundraising efforts not only ensures that wreaths will be placed this holiday season but also sets a foundation for future needs. As the number of veterans continues to grow, the Horton Wreath Society remains committed to honoring their sacrifices and ensuring that their memories are celebrated each year.
The community’s support has proven vital in this mission, and the upcoming ceremony will be a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served the nation. Families are encouraged to participate and lay wreaths in memory of their loved ones, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance during this holiday season.
Sources
- Suffolk nonprofit reaches $20k goal with wreath ceremony set for this weekend, WTKR.
- Suffolk nonprofit reaches $20k goal with wreath ceremony set for this weekend, WTKR.
