How to Show Support in Lieu of Flowers - Eternity Cremation & Burial Services

When someone you care about experiences a loss, it’s natural to want to express sympathy in a meaningful way. While sending flowers is a time-honored tradition, many families today request memorial gifts or gestures that reflect their loved one’s life and values. Below are several thoughtful ways to show your support in lieu of flowers.

Make a Charitable Donation

A donation to a cause that held special meaning to the deceased or their family is a heartfelt way to honor their memory. Your contribution helps continue the work they cared about most—whether it’s helping others, protecting the environment, or supporting the community.

You might consider:

A local charity, food bank, or shelter

Your generosity enables Voices of a Heart to provide invaluable support and resources to individuals navigating the challenging journey of divorce, particularly those who have experienced abuse. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Voices of a Heart

Environmental or animal welfare groups

The ASPCA has led the way in fighting cruelty, rescuing and securing adoptions for animals in need, and driving significant legislative change that protects their lives and welfare — ultimately transforming how Americans value and care for animals.

ASPCA – Animal Welfare

Health and research foundations

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today, hope for tomorrow for people with Huntington’s disease and their families. In the battle against Huntington’s disease no one fights alone.

Huntington's Disease Society of America

Senior Support Services

Certified Specialists work together with volunteers and partner organizations to help seniors preserve their independence through individualized services, education, call companions to combat loneliness, and other helpful resources.

Foundation For Senior Services

Plant a Living Tribute

A living memorial—like planting a tree, flower garden, or dedicating a bench—creates a lasting symbol of life and renewal. Each time it blooms or grows, it stands as a gentle reminder of the love that endures.

Plant a Memorial Tree through the Arbor Day Foundation

Honor or celebrate someone with the gift of trees. These trees are planted in forests of need across the country, helping them recover from disasters and giving back to the planet for generations to come.

Arbor Day Foundation

Support the Family Directly

Acts of service and compassion can be the most comforting gifts of all. Consider helping in ways that ease the family’s day-to-day burdens:

Sending a handwritten card or letter
Delivering a meal or arranging grocery service
Offering help with errands, childcare, or household tasks
Making a contribution toward memorial expenses (if appropriate)

Your presence, care, and thoughtfulness remind grieving families they are not alone.

Share a Memory or Tribute

Sharing stories helps keep the spirit of a loved one alive. Your memories, photos, or kind words bring comfort and connection long after the service has ended.

You can:

Post a message on the family’s online memorial page
Write a note to be read at the service
Share a story that captures the person’s humor, kindness, or impact