By Susan Brecht, Publicity Chairman
The Garden Club of Orange Park had an exciting month of activities around the county.The month began at the Orange Park Library, where members added festive red poinsettias, artificial garland and large red bows to the shrubs and flowers still blooming despite the cooler weather.We then moved indoors to help fill the glass display cases with more holiday cheer. Pictures of recent club activities, advice about winterizing your garden and more red poinsettias filled the shelves to create an informative display for library patrons’ enjoyment throughout the month of December.
Saturday, December 13th was National Wreaths Across America Day, and several club members participated by laying wreaths at the headstones of fallen veterans and contributing to the purchase of wreaths prior to the event. We are honored to support this solemn day of remembrance at Magnolia and Moosehaven cemeteries. It is always a stirring experience to see the Young Marines color guard present the colors at the beginning of the program then watch them lay wreaths, speak the names of the deceased and then give a crisp salute to honor them. Thank you, Sandra DiGiovanni, WAA program coordinator at Magnolia Cemetery, for including us in this event. Our club also provided bottled water and snacks for the volunteers throughout the morning.
We finished off the month with a Christmas luncheon and spirited auction at our clubhouse.Many beautiful handmade items as well as baked goods and decorative items were bid on by our members to provide funds for our educational outreach programs.A generous collection of clothing and toiletry items were collected and delivered to Orange Park High to support their Family and Community Outreach program. This program ensures students have warm clothing, food and personal care items throughout the year.
We would like to extend our best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2026!
Learn more about the Garden Club of Orange Park on our website gardencluboforangepark.org.