2023 Committee members and volunteers.
Clintonville, PA: On December 16, 2023, the Clintonville Methodist Cemetery had its first National Wreaths Across America Day as a registered location. Ashley Drake, location coordinator, got the idea to register the location and get the program started locally in Clintonville to honor her late grandfather, Stanley T. Drake. Drake was a Korean War veteran and passed in 2020.
A small section of Clintonville Methodist Cemetery with wreaths placed on December 16, 2023.
With the help of co-coordinator, Ashley Rayl and committee members Mayor Megan Weber, Wanda Jacobs, Penny Graham and Alicia Kindle, over 225 wreaths were purchased for their first year. On the day of the event, Jay Shaw transported the wreaths through town with a CVFD escort. Thirty volunteers came to support the cause and help present wreaths.
Becky Hedglin led the group in prayer over the wreaths before laying them. They hope to expand in 2024, covering several smaller cemeteries in the area.
To follow along on their journey and to help them with their 2024 goals, please follow them on Facebook at Wreaths Across America- Clintonville Methodist Cemetery- PA or their website, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA0786, to obtain information or purchase wreaths.
The committee and volunteers would like to extend a big thank you to the community members, businesses and CVFD that have helped support them and given them the motivation to continue and grow.