Jersey Mike’s Subs will celebrate “Christmas in July” in the nine days leading up to and including Independence Day in a nationwide fundraising campaign for Wreaths Across America. Now through July 4, Jersey Mike’s stores throughout the nation will collect donations for this nonprofit organization, which lays thousands of wreaths at the graves of the nation’s veterans during the Christmas season.
During last year’s holiday season 160,000 wreaths were placed on the graves of fallen vets at 412 locations throughout the nation including Arlington National Cemetery. This year, with Jersey Mike’s help, Wreaths Across America hopes to significantly increase that number. The wreath laying is held annually on the second Saturday of December.
“As I travel throughout the country, I see welcoming parties gathering at airports to greet returning soldiers, and travelers going out of their way to thank those in uniform for their service to our country,” says Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO. “As we celebrate our nation’s independence, Jersey Mike’s will proudly join and support Wreaths Across America in its mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach our children the value of freedom.”
In addition to fundraising and raising awareness, every Jersey Mike’s location will distribute specially designed cards thanking soldiers for their service and sacrifice.
Along with recognizing the sacrifices of the past and present, Wreaths Across America counts educating children as one of the chief missions of its campaign. Each year many students make the annual trip to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in the wreath-laying ceremonies.
“It is so important that we teach our children about the heritage and history of our veterans so they understand it is because of these heroes that we are free,” says Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “We always talk about the importance of teaching by example and Jersey Mike’s is doing just that through its participation with our program.”
