Collinsville Struggling For Sponsors To Help Honor Veterans’ Graves

Update: In response to this story, the Cherokee Nation leaders presented the city with a $6,000 donation for Wreaths Across America.

Collinsville leaders are asking for help to get enough wreaths to lay on veterans’ graves this Christmas as part of ‘Wreaths Across America.’

This year, they’re struggling to get enough sponsors. City leaders said because of the pandemic, it's been much harder to fundraise to get enough wreaths for every grave.

There are more than 900 veterans buried at Ridge Lawn Cemetery in Collinsville. Right now, they have less than half of the donations they need.

This is the second year Collinsville has participated in Wreaths Across America.

"This very cemetery we've got veterans from the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, just every war," Coordinator Sherry Campbell said.

Wreaths Across America said they place hundreds of thousands of wreaths at veterans' graves around the country. Coordinator Sherry Campbell said last year was a big success, but this year, COVID-19 could throw a wrench in their plans.

"We're really starting to get a little bit worried as to whether or not we'll make the goal of 903 wreaths that we need," Campbell said.

Last year, they were able to hold bake sales and other fundraisers to get enough money, but as families are financially struggling because of the pandemic, Campbell said donating is harder for many.

"We have one month, and we are racking our brains trying to come up with fundraisers," Campbell said.

She said they hope enough people will step forward to help, so they can reach their goal.

"Nobody wants to be the one to tell that person that their loved one doesn't have a wreath because we didn't have enough wreaths to go around," Campbell said.

The deadline to sponsor a wreath is November 30 and the wreath laying ceremony on December 19.

To support veterans and sponsor a wreath, visit the website here.