Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River collected dozens of toys to give to the U.S. Marine Corps foundation.  For the past 62 years, the Corps campaign "Toys for Tots" has been collecting toys.  Tyler Pitchford, owner of the funeral home said his family set out to fill one box within two hours.  Instead, they managed to fill three, thanks to the generosity shown by the community. Tyler said the family wanted to do something as a way to give back during the holidays. 



Stendeback Family Funeral Home in White County, Illinois has been selected for the 2009 Best of Carmi Award in the Funeral Home category, by the U.S. Commerce Association.  Ten years ago, Bill and Lynn Stendeback started a tradition they called "Gift a Memory".  Each November, the Stendeback family accept gifts that have been purchased in memory of a deceased loved one. They then donate these gifts to a local nursing home for needy residents.  Its no wonder the Stendeback family were selected for the Carmi award after years of helping their community in this way.