Ava's Wreaths of Joy gives back to Long Island veterans for the holidays

This year, wreaths are being sold in East Islip for $15 each. All the money raised will be donated to homeless veterans.

News 12 Staff

Dec 11, 2022, 5:25 PM

Updated 689 days ago

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Ava’s Wreaths of Joy is giving back to Long Island veterans for the holiday season.
The fundraising project was created four years ago by 11-year-old Ava McKiernan.
This year, wreaths were sold in a parking lot off East Main Street in East Islip for $15 each.
All the money raised will be donated to Bravo Foxtrot United Veterans, a charity that helps local homeless veterans with permanent housing, food and jobs.
“I decided to do it because I feel bad about the homeless veterans and I wanted to help them out,” McKiernan said on Sunday. “Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I thought why not make wreaths, sell them for money and donate the money to someone in need?”
Her father, Matt, is proud of her determination to help others.
“I’m very enthusiastic about it. I just love her so much,” he said. “She's all about helping others and my heart is filled.”
“Ava is a role model. Every year, every day,” said her mother, Jeanine. “She's a great girl and I know she'll continue to do great things in life.”
McKiernan hopes the project will raise at least $4,000 for veterans on Long Island.
Although the sale recently ended, donations can still be made on the GoFundMe page.