After a Funeral Service or Memorial Service, friends, loved ones, and the greater community, may want to provide sympathy gifts to the deceased's surviving family.

Typically, they are in the form of flowers, candles, or food. However, what's best for the bereaved is entirely based upon personal preference or financial situation.

Some religions or cultures may specify what gifts are acceptable, and some families prefer that gifts be made in the form of donations to a charity.

And depending on the circumstance, some may prefer that gifts be provided in the form of services as a way to help support in time of need; examples include but are not limited to:

• Watching children or the elderly


• Providing transportation or meals


• Doing laundry, cleaning, or the like

Feel comfortable asking friends and loved ones specifically for what's needed during a time of need.

Regardless of the requests, it's important to identify these preferences before announcing the service so the community can provide support appropriately.