Gateway Blue Star Mothers


Wreaths Across America is proud to partner with nonprofits and veteran service organizations across the United States in supporting our nation’s heroes and thanking them for their service. Through our fundraising group efforts, WAA stimulates other charitable funds by returning $5 of every $15 wreath sponsorship raised. In doing so, we “do good twice,” recognizing the commitment made by VSOs and other nonprofits to support WAA by directly giving back to their missions in turn.

 

Kathy Schulte and Janelle Eveld know just how important it is to remember, honor, and teach about military service in their community. Not only are Kathy and Janelle Location Coordinators for Wreaths Across America at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery near St. Louis, they are also both Blue Star Moms with children currently serving in various theaters. That’s one reason why it is so important to them to support WAA as well as the active-duty military, veterans, and their families in their own community in St. Louis.

The Gateway Blue Star Mothers serve the greater St. Louis active duty military, veterans, and military mother community, including Blue and Gold Star Mothers. The Blue Star Mothers foundation was founded during WWII in Flint, MI to “perpetuate the memory of all the men and women who serve and served our country as members of the Armed Forces.” The St. Louis Chapter was chartered in May 2014 and is “active in the community serving our active duty, our veterans, their families, and Gold Star families,” according to Kathy.

The Gateway Blue Star Mothers Fundraising Group through WAA uses their $5 kickback for projects supported by the general treasury fund. The projects include two major care package mailings each year, Project Birthday Box, and Cookies for The Troops, a bit of “home-baked love” during the holidays.

Janelle and Kathy explained that it’s not just active-duty military that they serve, but also Gold Star families. 

“We support a group here in the St. Louis area called Dream Riders, who support Gold Star Kids. These are kids who have lost a parent in a war zone. [Dream Riders] takes them on a mini-vacation every summer.”

What admirable projects! Kathy Schulte, Janelle Eveld, and Gateway Blue Star Mothers, we thank you for all you do for Wreaths Across America and your community.

 

You can hear more of this story and from other Fundraising Groups throughout Giving in July on Wreaths Across America Radio