For families, choosing a funeral home begins with trust.

 

And building trust with families begins long before a loss occurs. It’s established by creating meaningful interactions and being a strong presence in your community.

 

By connecting with the families in your community before they need your services, you create lasting relationships that give families confidence and peace of mind when the time comes.

 

Community outreach is one of the most effective ways to build those connections.

 

Hosting events that reflect your heart for service helps you build trust and relationships with the families in your community.

 

And what better time to build those connections with your community than during the upcoming holiday season?

 

Here are 5 event ideas to help you build trust and meaningful relationships with the families in your community.

 

 

1. Connect with families during a preplanning event

One of the most effective ways to educate families on the advantages of planning ahead is by hosting a preplanning seminar. These seminars allow families to learn about their options, ask questions, and take the first step of their preplanning journey with confidence.

 

But the benefits of a preplanning seminar don’t stop there.

 

When families step into your funeral home, they get to see more than just where services take place. They can experience a warm, welcoming environment that feels approachable rather than intimidating.

 

They can also meet your staff and put faces to the people who will guide them through some of life’s most difficult moments. These personal introductions open the door for meaningful conversations and give you the opportunity to share your heart for service.

 

Want to learn more about how to host impactful preplanning seminars that turn education into engagement? Check out this episode of The Director’s Playbook podcast!

 

 

2. Honor local veterans with a meal

Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country. One impactful way you can show your appreciation and care is by hosting a Veterans Day meal!

 

This event is a great way to honor local veterans and their families, welcome them into your funeral home, and establish meaningful relationships. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to educate your community’s veterans on essential topics, like burial benefits and the advantages of preplanning.

 

By sharing helpful information, you can empower veterans and their families to make more informed decisions about their future. Offering educational resources is also a great way to establish trust and position your funeral home as a trusted expert within your community that veterans feel confident turning to.

 

A Veterans Day meal not only celebrates the local heroes in your community but also reinforces your commitment to caring for those who have served our nation.

 

For more Veterans Day event ideas, take a look at this blog!

 

 

3. Help families grieve with a Remembrance Day

Sharing memories is one of the best parts of the holidays. But for those grieving, it can be a difficult time of the year.

 

Your funeral home can help by hosting a Remembrance Day.

 

Give families a meaningful opportunity to come together, share cherished memories, and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. All while getting to know your funeral home, staff, and services!

 

A Remembrance Day fosters a sense of community and support among attendees and exemplifies your funeral home’s commitment to caring for families long after the service.

 

 

4. Serve your community with a donation drive

Your funeral home isn’t just a business.

 

It’s a group of people who live in and care for the community, just like the families you serve.

 

By organizing a donation drive, you can show your commitment and willingness to serve your community. Plus, it’s a great way to give back and extend your care for families.

 

The type of donation you want to collect will depend on which holiday you want to focus on. For example, a food drive would be beneficial for Thanksgiving, and a toy drive would work best for Christmas.

 

But regardless of the type of donation drive you decide to organize, it's an excellent opportunity to serve your community and build trust with families.

 

Check out this article for helpful tips on organizing a donation drive.

 

 

5. Support families with a holiday grief support group

The holidays can be especially difficult for those grieving, whether they have just experienced a loss or are years into their grief journey.

 

One way you can serve grieving families is by hosting a holiday support group. These gatherings can help families navigate their grief by providing emotional support and community.

 

Hosting holiday support groups is a great way to extend your care and build relationships with the families in your community during the holiday season.

 

Here are a few ideas you can use to host a holiday grief support group:

  • Include a grief therapy dog in the group

  • Invite a grief counselor to speak

  • Organize a grief support book study

Want more information on the benefits of a grief support group? Take a look at this article!

 

 

Commitment and care that families remember

When you invest in community outreach, you’re not just growing your market share. You’re building trust and relationships with the families in your community.

 

And over time, these efforts will create a legacy of care that resonates long after the service has ended.

 

But before you do any of that, you need two things:

  • An active preneed program to organize your events.

  • And a strategic marketing plan to promote them.

We can help you with both.

 

Our Select Producer Program can pair your funeral home with a dedicated preneed sales professional who will handle every detail of your next event.

 

Then, our digital marketing packages will spread the word about your upcoming event to your community online and throughout town.

 

Fill out the form below to see how these programs can help you connect with more families and be the funeral home that families remember.