Funeral homes have been involved in their communities in many impactful ways beyond the important task of caring for the dead and their families. Some funeral homes give back to their communities as a way to familiarize their community with their brand, but most funeral homes do it for the sense of pride and involvement that community service brings. Most funeral homes view extracurricular community services as an integral part of their business through which they can show their appreciation for the community and promote progress. However, perhaps the most impactful benefit that a funeral home can glean from promoting community involvement and service is the sense of trust that it establishes between the funeral home and the members of the public. Trust in a funeral home is a crucial attribute to families who are experiencing the difficulties of death. Funeral homes have given back to in many different ways, some of which include hosting events, overseeing service-based projects, and most importantly, taking care of a deceased person and their families during the difficult time of death.
Traditionally, funeral homes have been more likely to involve themselves in socializing events than other businesses, and more and more funeral homes are branching out and coming up with new, creative ways to involve those members of their community in an enjoyable, welcoming atmosphere. Some funeral homes host annual Halloween trunk-or-treats or Easter Egg Hunts. Other funeral homes hold annual golf outings, monthly family movie nights, and even weekly senior tea parties. One funeral home involved their community members by creating an online community space in which people could post their gratitude for family members and loved ones before they pass away. These simple ways to involve community members with one another creates connections of support.
Many reputable funeral homes go above and beyond by offering donations to local organizations such as hospitals, schools, and sports teams. These donations support those around them in countless ways as they promote better health, education, and quality of life for their community. Another way that funeral homes achieve this is by organizing and overseeing service projects. One funeral home built a blessing box to keep outside of the home, which kept non-perishable food items and toiletries. Members of the community could freely take from this box, or donate to it; however, the funeral home oversees and ensures that it is stocked at all times. Other funeral homes have kept a book exchange box outside of the home, through which members of the community could take or donate books. Others will organize annual cleanups in which those in the neighborhood can gather to help clean public or private properties. Some even organize charitable events to help specific members of the community who may be struggling financially or physically. One funeral home distributed flower seeds to their community as a way to spread love and beauty. These blatant acts of charity and love help promote an attitude of caring in their community, and are only some of the ways that funeral homes give back to their neighborhood.
Perhaps the most significant way that a funeral home can give back to its community is the love and support it offers deceased persons and their families during their time of need. A funeral home cares for and protects a body even if no one else is there to support the dead person. Funeral homes keep cremated remains after no one comes to claim them, and will respectfully dispose of the ashes after a certain period of time. They protect a deceased person’s legacy even when no one else will. They are a crucial support to a family after a loved one has passed away as they care for and strive to meet the family member’s needs. They offer guidance during the confusing time of death, and support families through their knowledge and experience working with death.
A funeral home can play a pivotal role in a community through the ways that it gives back. Funeral homes also offer services that help support members in need, and make sizeable donations to local organizations. These donations and services are additional ways that a funeral home can involve itself with its community beyond the important role of offering support and care to a deceased person and their loved ones. Funeral homes can play a significant role in their community as they give back to it in many diverse ways.
Blog Resources
https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2019/05/09/new-st–pete-funeral-home-helping-those-in-need