Symonds-Madison Funeral Home hosts third annual Gift Drive for Veterans
Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin will hold its third annual Veteran Gift Drive benefiting Elgin-area veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, senior living communities, and those served by local home care agencies.
"This drive came out of our volunteers' desire to show appreciation to our veterans during the pandemic," said Joy Symonds, owner and founder of Operation LOVE. "We are delighted to see how much it has grown.
"Last spring, I received a note from a Vietnam veteran who was recovering from a stroke and COVID over the holidays," Symonds said. "He said how much he appreciated his gift and that it truly lifted his spirits. We want every veteran in our community to feel that love as well."
Participants are encouraged to spend $25 on a gift for a local veteran.
Suggested gifts include: large print books and DVDs (all genres), puzzle books, throw blankets, ball caps and winter hats, puzzles, men's toiletries, and patriotic gifts. Please no food or mouthwash.
Wrapped gifts will be collected at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park St., through Dec. 15.
For deliveries after business hours, call the funeral home to coordinate, (847) 741-1128.
Any organization that serves veterans and wants to be involved, either as volunteers or recipients, can contact Joy Symonds, (847) 741-1168.
In partnership with the Haight family, Symonds-Madison Funeral Home is hosting a holiday party for Operation LOVE members and those who want to learn more on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Ashbury, 1 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin.
Cash bar will be available and appetizers provided. RSVP requested to jsymonds@symondsmadison.com.
The "LOVE" in Operation LOVE stands for "Love Our Veterans Elgin." Its mission is to honor "unclaimed" veterans at their funerals, connect volunteers with Elgin area veterans in need, and strengthen existing Elgin area veterans' service organizations by promoting their events, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers.
Since its launch in March 2020, Operation LOVE members have attended several funerals for unclaimed veterans, hosted successful Christmas gift drives, placed Christmas wreaths on veteran graves, collected hundreds of valentines and Easter baskets for local veterans in hospitals, nursing homes and senior living communities, and placed flags at Bluff City Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day.
To stay informed about future volunteer opportunities, please join the Operation LOVE Group on Facebook, accessible at www.facebook.com/symondsmadison.
Symonds-Madison Funeral Home is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, National Federation of Independent Business and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce. The family-owned business currently maintains a five star rating on Google.
At Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, they believe every funeral should be as special as the person it honors. It is a veteran- and family-owned funeral home that thrives on helping you create a final, heartfelt experience that exceeds your expectations. Visit www.symondsmadison.com or www.facebook.com/symondsmadison. Symonds-Madison Funeral Home is the home of Operation L.O.V.E., a community volunteer network dedicated to serving local veterans.