There are many ways that you can provide concrete assistance to someone who is suffering loss. Below, you will find a list of ideas, in no particular order. You will need to do a bit of homework to find out the actual needs of the individual. I hope you find these helpful and encourage you to reach out with ideas of your own to add to this list.

1.     Help with funeral planning – this may include help organizing, providing food, rides, music, set up, clean up, lodging for family coming in, etc.

2.     Fundraising to defray funeral costs for those in financial difficulty

3.     Donations to a charity on behalf of lost loved ones.

4.     Providing food or gift cards for restaurants and groceries.

5.     Help with car maintenance

6.     Help with yard maintenance

7.     Running errands

8.     Providing house cleaning services, or gift cards for same

9.     Clearing snow from driveway

10.  Dog walking

11.  Childcare

12.  Regular checking in

13.  Providing rides/transportation

14.  Gas vouchers

15.  Flowers or shrubs for the garden

16.  Memorial gifts

17.  Sending pictures and videos you have of their loved one.

18.  Help doing banking/bill paying

19.  Household maintenance

20.  Information on grief support groups or counselling services