Ornaments of Honor
Goshen. When the Wreaths Across American program was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the folks at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery pivoted to create the Orange County Christmas Trees of Heroes 2020, allowing people to honor their loved ones with a personalized tree ornament. | 22 Dec 2020 | 11:24 When the Wreaths Across American program was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the folks at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery pivoted to create the Orange County Christmas Trees of Heroes 2020, allowing people to honor their loved ones with a personalized tree ornament. Photo courtesy of Colleen Collins. If anyone would like to add their loved one to the Trees of Heroes, stop by Orange County Veterans Cemetery and pick up one before they are all gone. The cemetery grounds are open every day for visiting. The Veterans Service office is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is COVID-19 restricted. Photo by Colleen Collins.
Wreath laying honors veterans across the Seacoast
By Karen Dandurant
DOVER – A wreath laying ceremony was held Saturday in Dover, one of four towns a local man chose to honor veterans.
Dover resident Matt Mayberry, an Air Force veteran said he was “cranky” when he heard that the annual Wreaths Across America event, which ends at Arlington Cemetery was to be postponed due to safety concerns over COVID-19.
“I decided I could make it happen here,” said Mayberry. “I called friends. They all got on board and here we are.”
The event, held Saturday at Pine Hill Cemetery, took place at 11:11 a.m. on Saturday, the time a nod to Veterans Day. Similar events will be held in Barrington, Madbury, and Durham. Mayberry said they raised $13,000 and will place 5,000 wreaths.
Good News: WJCT s sweater drive helps those in need stay warm
Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive.
Suddath, VyStar Credit Union and Tom Bush Family of Dealerships also participated in the drive, which ran through Nov. 30.
Since its local launch in 2002, the drive has collected more than a quarter-million articles of clothing and necessities for First Coast residents. WJCT also distributed backpacks with school supplies, books, personal hygiene products, a blanket, Daniel Tiger socks and a mask to children in need.
Here s more good news:
• Four area rotary clubs donated a total of about $20,600 to the nonprofit INK! (Investing in Kids), which provides programs and classroom resources to support academic success to St. Johns County public schools.