Hundreds volunteer to prep for Christmas Honors

Hundreds of volunteers from area companies, schools and other groups worked Friday at the Phoenix Expo and Trade Center and the Fort Smith National Cemetery to prepare  more than 12,000 wreaths for Christmas Honors.

Christmas Honors organizers Philip Merry Jr. and Lea Taylor estimated at least 400 volunteers as of 10 a.m., with other groups scheduled to arrive later in the day. (See photos below of volunteers working.)

The effort, first held December 2009, well see the placement of a wreath on the about 12,500 headstones at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.

The Education & Quality of Place division of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is leading the effort, raised more than $62,000 in 2009 and gathered thousands of volunteers in the inaugural effort.

On Nov. 3, chief organizer Philip Merry Jr. issued the call for financial and volunteer support for the 2010 event. Organizers need people able to help assemble, distribute and pick-up/store the wreaths, as well as assist with food, parking directions, sign in, logistics, communications and other related activities.

Monetary donations are being accepted at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce located at 612 Garrison Ave. Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. Please make all checks/payments payable to “Christmas Honors” c/o the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. Tax ID #: 71-0029620

Following are remaining key dates and times in the Christmas Honors effort.
• Dec. 11 — 8:30 a.m. to noon
Wreath distribution
Fort Smith National Cemetery (522 Garland Avenue and South Sixth St.)

• Dec. 13 — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wreath candlelight vigil
Fort Smith National Cemetery

• Jan. 9, 2011 — 9 a.m. until finished
Wreath collection/storage
Fort Smith National Cemetery and Fort Smith Convention Center
(volunteers are to meet at the Fort Smith Convention Center for instructions)

Those wanting to volunteer should contact Sheri Neely at 650-5781, or [email protected]

See the Christmas Honors website for more information and details about the event.