Rhone Funeral Home Collecting Stocking for Soldiers, Veterans
By Sarah Naron
Messenger Reporter
PALESTINE – Continuing its annual tradition of sending veterans throughout the local area and soldiers overseas “a little taste of home for the holidays,” Rhone Funeral Home of Palestine is currently collecting stockings to help brighten the Christmases of some of our nation’s heroes.
“Rhone Funeral Home is proud to be one of hundreds of Veterans & Family Memorial Care exclusive funeral home providers across America participating in the 11th Annual VFMC Christmas Stockings for Soldiers and Veterans initiative,” said owner Ben Rhone.
According to Rhone, a total of 150 stockings were collected by the funeral home during last year’s initiative as a result of assistance received by various members of the community.
“From now through Saturday, Dec. 1, please stop in to the funeral home and pick up a free Christmas stocking to take home, decorate and stuff with Christmas cheer,” Rhone encouraged. “You will receive a list of recommended items along with the free stocking.”
Once the stockings are returned to the funeral home, they will either be shipped or delivered at no cost to the individual who put together the stocking. Veterans residing throughout the local area and soldiers currently serving overseas will receive the stockings in time for Christmas.
“Providing our heroes with some good tidings and holiday cheer is a great way for us to show our support and appreciation for the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe and secure,” Rhone said.
Stockings may be picked up from the funeral home between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Suggested items with which to stuff the stockings include the following.
• Batteries
• Beef sticks or jerky
• Boxed cereal
• Canned or dried fruit
• Canned goods such as ravioli, soup and stew
• Canned tuna or chicken
• Cigars or chewing tobacco
• Crackers
• Easy-to-prepare meals such as Cup a Soup, Dinty Moore and Top Ramen
• Fruit snacks
• Ground coffee – sizes may range from singles to large bags or cans
• Hot chocolate or cider packets
• Instant oatmeal
• Medications such as antifungal cream, foot powder, multivitamins, or Tylenol
• Microwave mac & cheese
• Microwave popcorn
• Nuts, sunflower seeds, or trail mix
• Peanut butter and jelly in plastic bottles
• Pre-packaged cookies
• Pre-sweetened Kool-Aid powder
• Protein bars
• resealable plastic bags – sizes may range from snack to gallon
For more information, contact Ben Rhone at 903-729-5001.
Rhone Funeral Home is located at 3900 S. State Hwy. 19 in Palestine.
Sarah Naron may be reached via email at [email protected].
