A local group is looking for donations to address issues with the city of Cumming’s Veterans War Memorial.

Area merchants will have donations buckets for the Forsyth County Patriots Alliance to help pay for repairs to the war memorial.

In July, the Cumming City Council discussed issues with the memorial, including loose tiles and water flow underneath the monument. The entire monument will likely be removed to do the work.

Weather has impacted the deterioration of the monument.

The monument was built by local sculptor and artist Gregory Johnson and was dedicated in May 1992, with pedestals representing each war since the Civil War that bear the name of Forsyth County residents who fought and died. The monument was built using donations from the community.

Each year, the monument plays host to the city’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs, though Gary Ely, with the association, told councilmembers in July the wet ground has caused issues for some veterans.

Part of the planned renovation is to improve accessibility for those in wheelchairs and to include veterans of wars that had not been fought when the original monument was built and first responders.

Businesses wanting a donation bucket at their location should contact David Murray at (770) 715-9531.