By Brandon Martin
The Salvation Army will be selling memorial crosses throughout the month of April for loved ones lost to the coronavirus pandemic.
Family members or friends can purchase the 18-inch coroplast crosses for $20, beginning April 1.
Bradly Mumford, corps officer for the Salvation Army in Martinsville, said the idea serves two purposes.
“We want to put the crosses in our front yard at the Salvation Army so everyone can visually see the impact the virus has had on the community,” he said. “We are also hoping that it serves as a reminder of why it’s so important to follow the recommended guidelines of washing your hands and socially distancing.”
Mumford said each cross will display the victim’s name and date of death.
“People will be able to walk through them like a maze,” Mumford said. “We think it is a really good way to honor our lost loved ones and it helps donate to a good cause.”
Mumford said the proceeds will go directly to the emergency relief programs offered by the Salvation Army.”
“Over the last year, a lot of the people that have been helped are those directly impacted by COVID-19,” he said. “This money will do the same thing. It’ll help continue to raise awareness, so people remain vigilant, but it’ll also directly fund relief for those who most need it in our community.”
Mumford said crosses can be purchased for loved ones who died of other reasons besides COVID-19 as well.
“This will also serve as our response to Easter as well,” Mumford said. “The crosses will be displayed throughout the month and once April is over, we will return the crosses to the family members for them to keep.”
To date, Mumford said 100 crosses have been manufactured.
Mumford said inquiries about the crosses are currently being accepted. To find out more, call (276) 638-7259.
