Wreaths Across America baton passed to local duo

Kim Crowley and Emily DeJoy have taken over Marblehead’s Wreaths Across America program this year and are encouraging people to get involved.

“Kim and I have long felt a deep sense of gratitude for the men and women who have served our country,” DeJoy wrote in an email to the Current. “Participating in Wreaths Across America gives us the opportunity to honor those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”

She continued, “This year, we wanted to make a meaningful impact in our own community by ensuring that the veterans in Marblehead are remembered and celebrated in a tangible, respectful way. It’s a powerful way to bring our town together around a cause that transcends politics, showing unity, respect and gratitude.”

DeJoy explained why Wreaths Across America is important to the town.

“Being part of Wreaths Across America allows our community to come together in a meaningful act of gratitude, education and service,” she said. “It’s not just about laying wreaths — it’s about teaching our children the value of sacrifice, bringing neighbors together for a shared purpose, and ensuring that the legacy of our veterans continues to inspire future generations.”

DeJoy added, “Marblehead’s participation reflects the best of our community spirit: respectful, committed and deeply appreciative of those who served.”

DeJoy and Crowley’s goal is to raise enough money to place wreaths on all 2,500 veterans’ graves at Waterside and other cemeteries in town.

“Every wreath represents a life honored and a story remembered, and we want to make sure no veteran is overlooked,” DeJoy said.

Marblehead 9-1-1 dispatcher Teresa Collins brought Wreaths Across America to Marblehead in 2022. This year, she handed it off to Crowley and DeJoy.

On Dec. 13, local volunteers will lay wreaths at Waterside Cemetery on West Shore Drive.

To make a donation, visit http://bit.ly/3W4ubbZ. The Marblehead VFW is hosting a fundraising concert for Wreaths Across America this Saturday, Oct. 18, 8-10 p.m., with the Nick and Brendan Band.

In May, The Maine Monitor reported that Worcester Resources, the for-profit company that supplies all the wreaths for Wreaths Across America, had been hit with more than $50,000 in fines for workplace safety and record-keeping violations.

Last December, the U.S. Department of Labor cited Worcester Resources for housing more than 71 migrant workers below the factory, where there were no windows. Additional workers stayed in trailers without potable water.

When asked about the allegations and fines, Wreaths Across America’s spokeswoman Amber Caron responded to the Current by email, saying, “National nonprofit Wreaths Across America is aware of the OSHA violations involving our approved wreath vendor, Worcester Resources (d/b/a Worcester Wreath). We recognize the company’s stated commitment to worker safety and well-being and are confident they are taking appropriate steps to address the matter.”

Caron added, “All suggested improvements have been made for the 2025 season, and they are working with the appropriate state departments to ensure all standards are met or exceeded.”