How To Send Funeral Charity Donations

When you hear that a friend has lost a loved one, perhaps you want to do something to show your support and reach out in sympathy. Funeral homes in Waxhaw, NC see flowers the most. People generally like to send flowers because they are hopeful pieces that can decorate the space used during a funeral. Some of them can be taken home, laid on the grave or, if you send a plant, it can even be kept as a memorial for the person who passed away. But since so many people already send flowers, you might want to do something else, like send a charitable donation.

When Should You Mention Your Memorial Donation?

It is ideal to make your donation as soon as you learn that the family requested financial memorials/gifts, ideally within seven days of a funeral or memorial service. This information typically becomes available once an obituary has been published in a newspaper, social media etc., which can happen anywhere between three and five days following death.

How Much Donation Should You Give?

Memorial donations can be as little or big of a gesture that you want it to be. If your budget is tight and yet still wants to preserve the memory with someone special, $5 will certainly do just fine! There’s no shame in giving only a few dollars if that’s all you have- there are people who would give much more than this for others.

On the other hand, memorial donation doesn’t need to cost anything at all but what matters most is how generous one has been towards those left behind by their loved ones. A contribution of any amount may likely make memories last forever so remember: memorial contributions come from the hearts not pockets!”

Sending Charitable Donations Instead Of Funeral Flowers

If you have decided that a charitable donation is the thing you would like to do, first look over the obituary and see if there are any instructions as to where they might like money to go. If the person who died supported a certain charity, they might appreciate money going to a certain place. If you aren’t sure, you can ask a family member.

If no one is specific about where money should go, you can always send cash directly to the family in your sympathy card to use however they deem fit. If they need money for their loved one’s services, they might appreciate having extra on hand. They might also use it as a permanent memorial to their loved one by spending it on a tree to plant in their yard. They could also donate it to a charity they know their loved one would appreciate.

You can also decide yourself what kind of charity you think the person would support. If they passed on from cancer, for example, sending money to cancer research is always a nice idea. You can then send a card to the family saying what you have done. If you know they adored animals, sending money to a local animal rescue facility is another nice idea. There are plenty of charities out there in need and you might be able to help one of them, even a little, in honor of someone who passed on.

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What Charitable Organization Should You Choose For Memorial Donation?

If the family hasn’t specified an organization to donate in memory of, then you can choose one that seems appropriate. Here are a few suggestions:

• Medical Research Organization

  If you know of an illness or condition the deceased had, it’s likely there is a foundation that funds research and/or support for sufferers.

• Church

  If the deceased was a devoted churchgoer you might make a memorial contribution to their place of worship. However, if you’re not sure what that is, check with either the obituary or funeral home for more information on how best to honor them in this way.

• Cause-based Organization

  If you’re having trouble figuring out a cause that the deceased cared about, ask for advice from the funeral home. Did they love children? Or were their feelings extra tender towards animals? Someone who cares for less fortunate people or is devoted to church might choose an organization supporting this cause as a memorial donation. If there’s no mention in obituaries of what organizations supported and if you’re unsure where else to turn, why not consult with professionals at your local funeral home!

It’s always nice to let the family know what you have done in honor of their loved one so they know just how much of an impact that person is having, even though they are gone now. If you aren’t sure what you want to do yet, funeral homes in Waxhaw, NC can certainly give you advice or options to consider. Call Heritage Funeral & Cremation Services and ask about the person who passed on and we might have recommendations directly from the family. If not, we can offer you ideas based on what we know of the person and their family members. Whatever you do is going to be a nice gesture and the family will appreciate your thinking of them and taking the time to reach out to them. Charitable donations are very popular and such a nice way to honor someone who has passed on.