Wreaths Across America at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will hold Operation Clean Sweep on Saturday, Jan. 30, at the cemetery.

Volunteers are needed to help pick up over 40,000 live balsam wreaths for disposal. One wreath was placed on each grave during Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 19, 2020, made possible by sponsorships from thousands of people. Returning the cemetery to its pristine state is a part of the Wreaths Across America's program and mission to honor veterans.

Volunteers are asked to attend an 8 a.m. process briefing on the plaza of the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial located at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Parking will be limited in order to clear paths for dump trucks and trailers. Volunteers are asked to park at The Community Club/Arrowhead Bar & Grill Parking lot, 9-65 Fisher Ave., Annville. A shuttle bus will begin operation at 7:30 a.m., and helpers will be returned to their vehicles after cleanup is complete. Anyone arriving to help later than 8 a.m. will be instructed to report to the memorial for directions.

There is no minimum age for participants, as the cleanup may serve to teach future generations about honoring veterans. Children should be with their adults at all times.

Volunteers should prepare for the weather. They should dress warmly in clothes that may get soiled and wear comfortable shoes. This is a very physical project, so community members should use their judgment when deciding whether to participate. No animals except service dogs are allowed on the cemetery grounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring long-poled leaf rakes or brooms, tarps, and plastic toboggans/sleds.

The project requires low-profile dump trucks, dump trailers, and trucks with low and long beds only. People should not bring triaxle trucks, pickup trucks, ATVs or motorized trail vehicles.

This year, all volunteers are required to comply with CDC guidelines, including social distancing and wearing face masks. Readers may find the "Operation Clean Sweep - 2021" on the "Wreaths Across America - Indiantown Gap National Cemetery" page on Facebook for updates. Information is also available by emailing wreathsindiantowngap@gmail.com.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, readers may visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.