(December 20, 2017) – Saturday, December 16th, 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 veteran’s graves.

“Thanks to the generosity of our residents, businesses, and partnerships in New Lenox, we were able to raise over $20,000 this year to purchase 1,330 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, Culver’s, Jersey Mike’s, VFW, and the Village of New Lenox to help us with our goal of covering one section of the cemetery. Members of the Wreath Committee also generously donated their time passing out information and donation forms to over 500 local businesses.

The NLFPD is hoping to someday provide 1,800 wreaths to cover one section of the cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day. To reach this goal, the fire district will need to raise over $27,000.

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.

The primary mission of the New Lenox Fire and Ambulance Protection District is to provide a range of programs designed to protect the lives and property within New Lenox Village and Township from the effects for fires and sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by man or nature with professional, compassionate, and quality service.
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