NEWS BRIEFS: Local DAR sponsors Wreaths Across America Day

More than two million volunteers and supporters gather each year to honor our veterans buried at cemeteries nationwide and abroad on National Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America, a 501c3 organization headquartered in Maine, has over 4,600 participating locations with the mission to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.” 

On Saturday, December 14, the Philadelphia Winn Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be hosting two ceremonies in Lawrenceville. The first ceremony will be held at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, 87 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville at 11 a.m. The second ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Gwinnett Memorial Park, 925 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville. 

Participants will include the Button Gwinnett Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), the Elisha Winn Society, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), and the award-winning Georgia Society SAR Color Guard and Militia (GSSAR), JROTC Army Cadets from Discovery High School and Grayson High School, as well as additional local community organizations.

To sponsor a wreath online ($17 each), go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ga0265p and select the cemetery location to receive your fresh balsam wreath. To arrive in time for the 2024 ceremonies, the sponsored wreaths should be ordered no later than December 3. (Wreaths ordered after December 3 will be shipped for the 2025 ceremony.)

  • For any questions about the wreath program, please contact Philadelphia Winn DAR Chapter Regent, Randi Minor at (770) 882-8108, email RandiMD@gmail.com, or Honorary Regent Lynn Jacques at (678) 332-9852, email LynnJacques55@gmail.com. 

NOTABLE

County warming stations open when 35 degrees 

Now open, Gwinnett County will have warming stations on nights when temperatures drop to 35 degrees or below. These stations provide temporary, overnight relief for residents who are exposed to long-term frigid temperatures.

The warming stations will be available from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., providing a warm place to rest and receive a meal for those in need. 

Community Services Deputy Director Regina Miller says: “Gwinnett County’s warming stations are a vital resource for those facing extremely cold nights without shelter. By opening these spaces, we’re offering a safe, warm environment for our residents who need it most. This initiative reflects our commitment to caring for our community, ensuring everyone has a place to find comfort during the harsh winter weather.”

EMC Foundation grants $50,000 to local charities

The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $143,700 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $50,000 to organizations serving Gwinnett County. 

  • $20,000 to Nothing But the Truth, Inc., Dacula, to purchase food for its Weekend Food Program, which serves children in need in Barrow and Gwinnett counties.
  • $15,000 to The Block Community Outreach, Inc., Sugar Hill, to purchase fresh produce and shelf-stable foods for its Weekend Food Program for children in need in Gwinnett County.
  • $15,000 to Buford First United Methodist Church for its Sack Kids Hunger relief program that provides weekend food bags for children in need in Gwinnett and Hall counties. 
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