Organizers are seeking 20 to 30 people to assist with unloading pickups at the dumpsters. Volunteers assigned to unloading should park near the dumpster area, where project leaders will provide direction. Those interested in the task are asked to call in advance. Photo courtesy of Wreath Project

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Wreath Project is organizing a large-scale cleanup at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery following the placement of wreaths and boughs on every grave as part of its annual remembrance effort.

The volunteer-run project, operated by Curtis and Susie Stocking, has placed wreaths at the cemetery at 5810 Midway Road since 2006. Since its inception, the project has maintained 100 percent coverage of the cemetery, honoring all 38,000 graves each year. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the project transitioned from full wreaths to evergreen boughs beginning in 2020.

Volunteers completed this year’s placement on Dec. 13, continuing the tradition of full coverage. Organizers estimate that approximately 40,000 boughs will be needed for the 2026 event.

Cleanup is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Jan. 10. The effort focuses on collecting boughs and wreaths for on-site disposal. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and no sign-up is required. The event will take place rain or shine and typically lasts about 90 minutes.

Wreath Project is organizing a large-scale cleanup at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery following the placement of wreaths and boughs on every grave as part of its annual remembrance effort. Cleanup is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Jan. 10. All ages are welcome. Photo courtesy of Wreath Project

Participants are encouraged to bring wagons, wheelbarrows, or poles or dowels to work in pairs to string boughs together for easier pickup. Collected greenery will be moved to the curb, where volunteers with pickup trucks and trailers will haul the materials to on-site dumpsters. Drivers assisting with hauling will be loaded and unloaded by other volunteers.

Organizers are seeking 20 to 30 people to help unload pickups at the dumpsters. Groups interested in taking on that task are asked to call 707-249-5852 in advance. Volunteers assigned to unloading should park near the dumpster area, where project leaders will provide direction.

Those wishing to keep a wreath or bough are asked to remove it before Saturday’s cleanup.

The organization has already announced its 2026 dates for bough placement. Teens and adults are encouraged to arrive by 3 p.m. Dec. 18 for bough truck unloading and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 19 for bough placement.

For more information, visit wreathproject.org or email [email protected].