New Lenox Fire Protection District Honors Veterans through Wreaths Across America Campaign
 
By New Lenox Fire Protection District
December 17, 2018
 

Saturday, December 15th, the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) joined together with thousands of volunteers across the country to honor the nation’s veterans through the annual Wreaths Across America campaign.

The NLFPD Fire Chief, Trustees, firefighters and staff all participated in the event at the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, IL by placing wreaths on veterans' graves.

“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our residents, businesses, and partnerships in New Lenox, we were able to raise over $27,000 this year to purchase 1,800 wreaths,” said Skip Minger, NLFPD Board of Trustee President.

The Abraham Lincoln Cemetery has nearly 50,000 grave sites. Unfortunately, each year not every gravesite receives a wreath. “It is our goal to sponsor and provide as many wreaths as possible to help fill the void and honor each veteran’s gravesite through the Wreaths Across America program,” said NLFPD Fire Chief Adam Riegel.

This year, the NLFPD partnered with the local American Legion, VFW, Lions Club, Village of New Lenox, Kurtz, Dunkin Donuts, Fischer Real Estate Company, Old Plank Trail Community Bank, Ray Tuminello, Dedmon Insurance Associates, Inc., and the Marriot Vacation Club Maui Ocean Club to help us with our goal of covering one section of the cemetery. The district also placed nearly 50 donation boxes throughout community businesses. In addition, members of the Wreath Committee also generously donated their time passing out information and donation forms to over 500 local businesses.

“In just the few short years that we have been doing this program, we have been able to meet and exceed our goal and will be able to provide wreaths to cover one section of the cemetery at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery,” stated Minger.

The New Lenox Fire District will be accepting both cash and check donations for the Wreaths Across America campaign throughout the year. Checks should be made payable to “Wreaths for Veterans,” which is a 501c3. Donations can be mailed to: NLFPD, 261 E. Maple Street, New Lenox, IL 60451. Each wreath costs $15, however any donation is appreciated.

For more information contact the New Lenox Fire Protection District at (815) 463-4500.