SOUTHWICK — Lisa Anderson, the sexton of the town’s Old and New cemeteries, is looking for donors to ensure the graves of every veteran buried in the cemeteries will be adorned with a wreath during this winter’s holidays.
“It’s a way for a family, or anyone, to say to those who served our country in the military that you’re not forgotten,” Anderson said when she announced that the cemetery will participate in the Wreaths Across America program for the second consecutive year, and that she is now seeking sponsorships for the 500 wreaths needed.
Last year, the town began partnering with Wreaths Across America, a Maine-based nonprofit that ships over 3 million wreaths with the distinctive red bow to cemeteries across the nation every December. Wreaths Across America has long supplied wreaths to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, which is where Anderson got to know the program.
Anderson has ordered 500 wreaths for the approximately 450 veterans laid to rest in the town’s cemeteries, and is a little over halfway to her goal of raising approximately $5,800. While the cost would have been $8,500 for 500 wreaths, Anderson selected a sponsorship plan that provides one wreath for every two paid sponsorships.
She thanked those who have already helped raise the sponsorship money needed, including American Legion Post 338, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 338, and the Southwick Lions Club.
Anderson also said the Legion will host a spaghetti dinner in October that will raise money for the sponsorships.
“I’m hopeful our corporate sponsors who donated last year will again support this effort,” Anderson said.
To donate, call Anderson at 413-813-8067 or visit tinyurl.com/w33uuh.
