The deadline is nearing for Carbon County’s first Wreaths Across America campaign next month.

Summit Hill, Nesquehoning and Lehighton will be participating in this year’s event with placing wreaths at the graves of local veterans for the holiday season.

Sponsored wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves at noon on Dec. 19, but the deadline to sponsor a wreath is Nov. 30. So far 44 wreaths have been sponsored of the 5,000 goal.

The local initiative is spearheaded by Summit Hill teen Gabriel DeMatto and Christine LeClair, Carbon County Veterans Affairs director.

Last year, DeMatto approached the Rev. Allen Hoffa, pastor of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, about starting a program that would place wreaths on the graves of veterans who were buried in the parish’s cemeteries, much like the national program does as a way to honor the fallen and teach younger generations about the meaning of sacrifice and selfless service.

Hoffa sent the idea to LeClair, who loved the idea.

Wreath sponsorships are being accepted at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PACCCS. Wreaths are $15 each.

When checking out, there is an option on the website to name the group you are supporting. They ask you to list the name of the borough in this area.

For those who would like to sponsor a wreath but do not have access to the internet, you can contact DeMatto at pvgabematto@gmail.com or LeClair at cleclair@carboncounty.net. Information they will need include your name, phone number, number of wreaths you are sponsoring, wreath location and payment. Checks can be made payable to Wreaths Across America.