Central IL businesses step up, donate to Operation Honor Guard
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 nonprofit organization that raises money for veteran service organizations that provide military funerals for fallen veterans. Because many members of these organizations have to pay for their own uniforms, gear and travel expenses, Operation Honor Guard steps in to ensure they are outfitted and equipped.
WCIA's Brandon Merano was present to receive each check from Central Illinois' donating businesses. We thank them for their generosity and support of Operation Honor Guard.
Hayley Siefert Real Estate of Danville, led by Heather Baker, donated $5,000.
'I think for us, it was a chance for us to give back to those who have given so much to us,' Baker said. 'Veterans lay their lives on the line for us and so many others and continue to serve and commit to those who have fallen, so if we are able to give back in that way to support them and their continued endeavors, that was the main goal and focus for us.'
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 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.
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.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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