Becky Call (standing) and Linda Nicholson.
Linda Nicholson
In 1992, with the end of the holiday season approaching, the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, found they had an excess of wreaths. They also found a very special use for them by placing them at Arlington Cemetery. By 2007, Wreaths Across America was organized. With the help of corporate sponsors, thousands of individual donations, and volunteers, last year close to 2 million wreaths were placed at more than 2,500 locations.
In 2010, Sheron Jones, president of the Tucson Gold Star Mothers, began promoting Wreaths Across America in coordination with Evergreen Cemetery. Sheron lost her son in Iraq in 2007. She has channeled her grief into a tireless effort to raise funds for Christmas wreaths for veterans’ graves.
For the last eight years, SaddleBrooke Ranch residents have significantly contributed to the growth of this program. In 2021, through the patriotism and generosity of our community, $3,850 dollars was raised through donations and the purchase of raffle tickets.
Each year, Jim Click participates in Millions for Tucson by donating three prizes for the raffle. Tucson Gold Star Mothers is one of the nonprofit organizations qualified to participate.
For 2022, the Jim Click Automotive Team is presenting the following prizes:
* Grand Prize is a new 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid.
* Second Prize is two round-trip, first-class airline tickets to anywhere in the world.
* Third Prize is $5,000 cash.
Raffle tickets sell for $25 each or five (5) for $100. Cash and checks are accepted; checks should be made payable to Tucson Gold Star Mothers. Every dollar is used to purchase Christmas wreaths for veterans’ graves.
Linda Nicholson and Becky Call coordinate the raffle ticket sales and accept donations at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Linda and Becky work on behalf of Tucson Gold Star Mothers to support Evergreen Cemetery. Raffle ticket sales dates will be announced on Neighbor Nextdoor and will run through Nov. 15.
For brochures or more information, you may contact Linda Nicholson at [email protected] or Becky Call at [email protected].
National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 17 this year. Volunteers are needed to lay the wreaths on veterans’ graves. Details of the ceremony and locations will be announced on Neighbor Nextdoor.