CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Several businesses from around Central Illinois are donating to Operation Honor Guard during its Day of Giving.

Operation Honor Guard is a charity that gathers funds for veteran service groups dedicated to providing military funerals for deceased veterans. Since many group members bear the cost of their own uniforms, gear, and travel, Operation Honor Guard intervenes to ensure they are properly outfitted and supported.

Brandon Merano of WCIA was on hand to accept each check from the businesses in Central Illinois that made contributions. We extend our gratitude to these businesses for their generosity and support of Operation Honor Guard.

Hayley Siefert Real Estate

Hayley Siefert Real Estate of Danville, led by Heather Baker, donated $5,000.

“For us, it was an opportunity to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for us,” Baker expressed. “Veterans put their lives on the line for us and many others, and they continue to serve and honor those who have passed. If we can give back to support their ongoing efforts, that was our primary goal and focus.”

Sav-Mor Pharmacy

Sav-Mor Pharmacy of Tuscola, led by Pam Carnes, has been a longtime sponsor of Operation Honor Guard and is donating again in 2025.

“It’s an honor to be a part of something that would give back to our veterans for what they did for us,” Carnes said. “It seems like it gets larger every year.”

This year, Sav-More donated $5,000.

Heartland Bank

Heartland Bank has been donating to Operation Honor Guard for the last five years, and its Vice President Chad Sieben has a personal connection to the Honor Guard that makes donating near and dear to him personally and for his business.

Adams Memorial

Heather Harshbarger of Adams Memorial in Champaign said her business wanted to donate to support all of its veterans who have served and who are currently serving. In addition, her grandfather served in the U.S. Army.

Lanz, Inc.

Troy Lanz has been donating to Operation Honor Guard for years, and he’s back again for 2025.

“It’s a great cause,” Lanz said. “I always like to say that freedom is not free, and when someone is laid to rest, they need to be laid to rest with dignity and honor.”

Illini Mattress

Ed Stout, his son Michael and daughter Kristin Blackwell, donated $5,000 to Operation Honor Guard, which they said is very important to them.

“We’d like to see the veterans who have served be honored in the way that Operation Honor Guard does,” Kristin said.

Like many other business owners, the Stout-Blackwells have a few servicemembers in their family. Michael and Kristin’s uncle served in the Navy and her eldest son served in the Army.

Sunset Funeral Home

Rich Darby started Operation Honor Guard 12 years ago, and his sister Linda works for Sunset Funeral Home. Her business donated to her brother’s organization for its 2025 Day of Giving.

For Linda, Operation Honor Guard means multiple different things for her.

“Number one, because my brother helped to start it, his story is telling in and of itself, Linda said. “And also the fact that it’s important for us to honor our dead in a meaningful way. We don’t often understand the importance of it, but it’s a huge thing for us.”

Tatman’s Towing

Tatman’s Towing has been an Operation Honor Guard sponsor for years, and Brandon Merano met owner Jim Hampton to receive his company’s 2025 donation of $5,000.

“We have a passion for the military and first responders,” Hampton said. “But for the military, we love what they are and how they honor our country.”

Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs

Hall of Fame Signs and Plaques in Danville has a special connection to Operation Honor Guard — its manager Ross is the son of Rich Darby, who founded Operation Honor Guard.

Ross’ company donated $5,000 to his father’s organization for the 2025 Day of Giving.

“It’s a legacy,” Ross said about Operation Honor Guard. “You see veterans do what they do, day in and day out, and you see the Honor Guard do what they do for their fallen soldiers. It’s hard not to commit to giving money to.”