I help organize Wreaths for Biloxi National Cemetery, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the veterans laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Every December, we work to place wreaths on approximately 30,000 veterans’ graves. It’s a tremendous undertaking, and everything we do is made possible through donations and the generosity of volunteers throughout our community.
I was hoping you would be willing to share this opportunity with St. Patrick’s clubs, organizations, and students who may be looking for service hours.
Our biggest need for volunteers is Thursday, December 3, and Friday, December 4, BEFORE Saturday’s wreath placement ceremony.
Thursday, December 3 | 8:00 AM – DARK
We need volunteers to help unload four 18-wheelers full of wreaths, unpack deliveries, and organize staging areas throughout the cemetery.
Friday, December 4 | 8:00 AM – DARK
This is another big day! Volunteers will help remove old bows, fluff approximately 30,000 wreaths, attach new bows, and prepare everything for Saturday’s placement.
Saturday, December 5 | Ceremony at 11:00 AM
Our annual wreath placement ceremony will take place, followed by volunteers placing wreaths on veterans’ graves throughout the cemetery.
While we certainly welcome students on Saturday, the help we really need is Thursday and Friday. There is an enormous amount of preparation involved, and without volunteers getting the wreaths ready, Saturday simply wouldn’t be possible.
Students do not have to stay the entire day. Even a few hours would make a tremendous difference, and this is a wonderful opportunity for students to earn service hours while giving back to our community.
Would you mind sharing this with the club sponsors and student organizations? I’d love to know if any groups might be interested and approximately how many students could participate.
Anyone interested is welcome to contact me directly for more information or to coordinate a volunteer group @kstoddard@theprimetimeagency.com.
Thank you so much for helping me spread the word. I would love to see St. Patrick students involved in something that means so much to our Gulf Coast community.
Kerry
