What to send instead of flowers

Families often ask well-wishers not to send flowers, or to make a donation instead of flowers. Sometimes they choose a charity based on what is close to them at the time: Hospice, the hospital, a medical charity. If you know the deceased’s interests, consider directing your donation there instead. Think about her church, college and hobbies. If she was a member of a professional organization, is there a scholarship fund?

Here are some other ways you can pay tribune to the deceased or bring comfort to their families.

• Arrange a living memorial, like a tree planted in her name.
• Give them photos you took of her during your years together
• Send a care basket, with gift certificates to be used later, like to the movies or a spa
• If you work with one of the family members, see if HR will let you donate a day of your vacation for their bereavement
• House cleaning or lawn care
• Gifts for children
• Food to be consumed well after the funeral, like non-perishables or a restaurant gift certificate.