Has anyone contributed to and/or participated in Wreaths Across America?

[GP6971]

I contributed for the first time this year and was wondering what anyone else's experiences were.

[cpamomfromtexas]

1. Yes. I placed one at my husband's grave.

[GP6971]

2. Thank you!

[Easterncedar]

3. Founder is problematic

Sorry. See Charity Watch report for scamming issues, and Down East magazine for story about the damage Morrill Worcester and his company have done in Maine. The family has made a fortune off veterans and has built developments in defiance of permitting requirements. Right wing “patriots” beloved of Fox.

[GP6971]

4. Thank you!! Very interesting.

[70sEraVet]

5. Our American Legion Post gets mailers from them every year

We haven't done it.
First, Not every deceased veteran's family celebrates Christmas. While I'm sure most people think it looks nice to see wreaths placed uniformly on graves at National Cemeteries, others would be upset to see their loved one's grave decorated for a holiday they didn't believe in.
Second, Not every charity is ... well ... CHARITABLE!
There is this:

Wreaths Across America was created by Morrill Worcester, the owner of the Worcester Wreath Co., and Morrill Worcester’s wife, Karen Worcester, is the executive director of Wreaths Across America!

In other words, the Worcester’s for-profit Christmas wreath company created a non-profit organization that has a need for millions of Christmas wreaths every year, then their non-profit gave the contract for these millions of Christmas wreaths to none other than their own for-profit company.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/12/20/2070271/-Wreaths-Across-America-gets-a-FAILING-GRADE-on-its-finances-from-Charity-Navigator

[GP6971]

6. Thanks!!

I looked into it based on Easterncedar's comments. Sounds like a "sweat heart" deal.

[70sEraVet]

7. Hey, Gp6971 -- I posted an update about Wreaths Across America

I apparently don't know how to copy a link to my post.
But its in this forum.
Sorry.

[GP6971]

8. Thanks for the update!!