A group of Oxford scouts is seeking donations to help them place fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of every single veteran resting in a local cemetery.

As part of this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, Boy Scout Troop 366 wants to lay wreaths on all 202 veterans’ graves in Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery located at 99 W. Burdick St.

Troop 366 has collected funds and purchased wreaths for the ceremony before, but never to this extent.

“We definitely have a much bigger goal this year,” said Kim Burean, service project coordinator for the troop. “We just really wanted to step it up.”

Started in 1992, Wreaths Across America is a nationwide event consisting of coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,100 other locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. The purpose is to remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom.

Each $15 sponsorship pays for one wreath made of live greenery to be placed on a veteran’s grave. For every donor that gives $30 to sponsor two wreaths, Wreaths Across America will donate one wreath as part of a three-for-two special.

“It would be easy to buy a bunch of plastic wreaths and just throw them on there, but that wouldn’t be very respectful,” Burean said.

Burean has two veterans in her family. Her father served in the Vietnam War aboard a U.S. Navy minesweeper, while her grandfather fought in World War II as a pilot for Great Britain’s Royal Air Force.

To her, the wreaths are an excellent way to show the community remembers and values the service of its veterans, whose sacrifices are the reason the country is free and safe today.

“It ensures they are not forgotten,” Burean said. “It’s a way to show respect.”

To sponsor a wreath or two, visit the Troop 366 Wreaths Across America website bit.ly/Troop366WAA and click the red button.

Or mail a check payable to “Troop 366” to Boy Scout Troop 366, c/o Oxford United Methodist Church, 21 E. Burdick St., Oxford, MI 48371.

The deadline for donations made by check is Nov. 21. Online donations can be made until Nov. 28. All donations are tax-deductible.