Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina – mothers with a son or daughter serving in the armed forces – will have its “Christmas in July” Dinner Dance benefit on Saturday, July 29 at Moose Lodge 1959, 479 Burcale Road, near the Forestbrook community.

The meet-and-greet starts at 5 p.m., and an Italian dinner buffet at 6 p.m., with music provided by Jack and Rosalie Drust. Tickets are $15 per individual or $25 a couple. Contact Sharon Russell at 843-347-1024, or email bsmcc.slrussell@gmail.com; or Carol Dion at 843-236-4028, or email proudarmymom@aol.com.

All proceeds will be used this December for the annual “Wreaths Across America” remembrance at Florence National Cemetery, the closest national cemetery to the Grand Strand. The goal remains to place a wreath at each of the 12,000 veterans’ graves. The 2016 effort, the eighth year in which Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina has particpated, resulted in funding raised to buy 4,800 wreaths, the group’s highest count thus far.

Wreath sales are under way, with a 3-for-2 deal at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org: For every two ordered through Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina, the group receives a third one for free. More details at www.bluestarmothersofcoastalcarolina.com.