Understanding How Wreaths Across America Works
The Difference Between Worcester Wreath Company & Wreaths Across America, the 501(c)3
The donation of wreaths from the Worcester Wreath Co. began as a personal tribute from the Worcester family to servicemembers who stepped up to protect this country and our freedoms. The family quietly made these wreath donations to Arlington National Cemetery for nearly 15 years before a photo set them on a path they hadn’t dreamed about.
The photo — of the company’s wreaths at Arlington covered in snow — went viral in 2006. Shortly thereafter, the Worcester Wreath Co. began receiving unsolicited money from people who were touched by the wreaths and what they represented, and who wanted to participate by sponsoring wreaths themselves. This money was returned to donors because there was no mechanism in place for the family to accept the donations at that time.
In 2006, the family continued to give and at the requests made to them through thousands of emails, sent wreaths to well over 100 locations — seven ceremonial wreaths — one for each branch of the military plus POW/MIA. Note, this is now eight wreaths to include Space Force. The Worcester Wreath Co. still donates wreaths to the nonprofit annually.
In 2007, spurred by thousands of requests to help with wreath donations, the family gathered those who had been involved at Arlington National Cemetery to set up a 501(c)3, Wreaths Across America, to accommodate and honor the spirit of the donations. After forming the 501c3, Worcester Wreath continued its tradition of donating wreaths (and remains a larger donor to the organization) and producing the sponsored wreaths at a discounted market price.
The organization has a conflict of interest policy. Additionally, Worcester-related Board Members recuse themselves from decisions related to the wreath-procurement contract. All business relationships between the nonprofit and Worcester Wreath Co. are disclosed in accordance with all requirements to include the IRS.
In 2016, the WAA board formed a Request for Proposal (RFP) Committee, which includes members of the Board and is executed by an outside firm specializing in procurement/contracts. The criteria for the RFP is based on the specific needs of and in the best interest of WAA.
The story of the formation of the nonprofit is a story that the family and the organization are proud to share regularly as part of its shared history. Wreaths Across America is proud of its commitment to its mission and offers full transparency with donors.
WAA’s executive director is the wife of the president of Worcester Wreath Co. She is a non-voting WAA board member and along with other executives on the board and its Chairman, receives no salary for her efforts, despite full time work and a deep commitment to the mission.
For Wreaths Across America, wreath quality is important. Symbolically, wreaths represent everlasting life. These seemingly simple evergreens are so much more than a decoration placed on a grave. Wreaths Across America exists because millions of people across the United States and abroad responded to the emotional power of these wreaths and their simple ability to honor military members and their families. To this day, the outpouring of donations from thankful Americans humbles the Worcester family and makes them proud to be a part of something they never foresaw or intended.
Did You Know?
- Through Wreaths Across America’s Group Sponsorship program, it has helped other nonprofits such as Civil Air Patrol, Scouts, 4-H Clubs, local VFWs and American Legions raise funds for their own community needs. How it works: Wreaths Across America returns $5 of every $17 wreath sponsorship you raise to support your organization. Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back more than $20 million to local charities through this fundraising structure. To sign up as a sponsorship group, visit this page.
- Wreaths Across America conducts several programs to honor our veterans, including the popular Thanks-A-Million campaign, which distributes free thank-you cards to people all over the country to share with veterans as a simple thank-you for their service. Order yours here and just pay for shipping.
- WAA offers free,downloadable curriculum focused on service-based learning for youth of all ages. These materials are designed to encourage the direct involvement of local veterans. The program was revamped in 2022 with the help of Gold Star Mother and retired school teacher Cindy Tatum and in partnership with several like-minded organizations offering character-based lesson plans to educators.
- In 2014, Wreaths Across America established the Veterans Remembrance Tree Program as another way to remember and honor our veterans. The program allows Gold Star families to visit the land in Columbia Falls, Maine, where the balsam tips are harvested each year to be made into the wreaths that are placed on veteran’s graves. Gold Star families often report they find a sense of peace and tranquility from visiting the land where the balsams are grown. The Remembrance Tree Program gives them a living memorial to their loved one.
- There are a number of ways for volunteers to get involved. Please keep in mind that there is NO COST to attend or participate in a Wreaths Across America event and events are open to all.
