People Chose Charities Over Flowers To Pay Respects
By: Meredith Hillgartner
Updated: February 28, 2013
"The flowers aren't going to last as
long as maybe a memorial contribution that is going to continue to help
somebody," Malone said.
People have been sending flowers to
funerals for centuries, but in recent years they may not be the number one
choice.
"I just explain to them that they
have another option which is to suggest memorials to somewhere," Malone said.
LeeAnn Malone has been in the funeral
business for more than 20 years.
She said the idea of giving to a
cause instead of giving flowers is not new-but it is becoming more popular.
"Ever since the beginning of my time
in this business memorial contributions were put in the paper for families to
be able to suggest where they would like money to go in honor of their loved
one," Malone said.
Funeral services were held Thursday
for 22-year old Brian Jeffries-a Texas Tech student who died in a car accident
early Sunday morning.
His family asked that instead of
flowers, people donate to the local Ronald McDonald house.
Malone said many families like to
give back and often choose organizations that have helped them in the past.
"A lot of families will choose a
hospice organization or their church," Malone said. "Some place that is close to their heart at
that time."
But Malone said florists do not have
too much to worry about-she said flowers in
"I don't think flowers will ever go
away," Malone said. " I think in this part of the country still that we are
pretty traditional and flowers are the traditional thing to do to show your
sympathy."
