Volunteer group seeks donations to place about 3,000 wreaths at 15 Graham County cemeteries

Kat Sticklin, representing a local Wreaths Across America effort and the Graham County Citizens Alliance, asked the board during the Aug. 18 call to the public for volunteers and donations to place roughly 3,000 live wreaths at 15 of the county’s 33 listed cemeteries. Sticklin said the group has permission for 15 cemeteries and plans to place wreaths on the second Saturday in December (Dec. 13 this year). She described the wreaths as live, lasting “almost 2 months,” and priced at $17 each or two for $29. “These priests do not require any care while they're out there, but they do retain the beauty and they do honor the veterans,” she said. Why it matters: The program provides a community means to honor veterans and requires coordination, volunteers and fundraising to place and later remove wreaths in winter months. Board response: The board did not engage during the public comment period due to meeting rules, but a supervisor later told Sticklin that Graham County had provided funds through community-based organization grants earlier in the year and said the county would provide a letter of support when requested. Next steps: Sticklin said donation jars and community fundraising efforts will be announced; she provided contact information for supporters to volunteer or donate.