The annual Glencoe’s Boy Scouts holiday wreath and candle sale has long been a fixture in Glencoe, evolving and expanding with the times.
Over the years, we have also met generous Glencoe neighbors who have asked if they could donate a wreath to a family in need. Given this year’s unprecedented financial circumstances, we have made this a part of our holiday fundraiser, allowing families to designate wreaths or candles for local families in need. Wreaths and candles designated as gifts will be allocated via Family Services of Glencoe, New Trier Township Food Pantry, and The Ark.
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. In 2019, Troop 28 scouts were able to donate our unsold wreaths to a participating cemetery in Gurnee, and participated in the wreath-laying ceremony to offer local veterans who gave their lives in service to America. This year, we have added an option to purchase wreaths and designate them for donation to the Wreaths Across America program.
Last, we are also introducing an opportunity to assist local area social service agencies through our local and national gift card program. When families purchase gift cards through our website, they pay face value and Friends receives a giveback from the gift card vendor. This year, families can designate gift cards of staples like groceries for donation via Family Services, New Trier Township Food Pantry, or Hilda’s Place.