NILES — When Kristopher Wickens was deciding which college to attend, he had a stipulation: it had to be close enough to home that he could still enjoy holiday meals.

Described by his mother, Sabrina, as a “kid who loves food” Kristopher is a big fan of Thanksgiving. This year, however, he will be thousands of miles away from the family table on Thanksgiving, one of many sacrifices he has made while serving in the U.S. Navy.

“We won’t see him for a couple of years yet. Holidays are hard,” said Kristopher’s father Steve Wickens, of Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services. “Having our son currently serving in the Navy overseas, we understand how difficult it is for families to be separated during the holidays.”

Inspired by their son’s service, Steve, Sabrina and the rest of the Halbritter Wickens staff set out to give back to those currently serving their country, and those who have served in the past.  From now until early December, Halbritter Wickens will provide stockings to decorate and stuff with items to be donated to local military officials and veterans.

“The nursing homes have each given us a list of the veterans that they have, and we are going to contact the Blue Star Moms for a list of the local active duty personnel,” Steve said. “We’ll work with them to get the active duty stuff out.”

Sabrina and Steve worked with nursing homes and active duty military to compile lists of items that would make good stocking stuffers for each demographic.

“[The veteran list] is much different than the active duty list,” Sabrina said. “The active duty list is all these snacks and food items. The nursing home guys need items more like socks or puzzles.”

Those interested in contributing may stop by the funeral home, 615 E. Main St., Niles, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday through Dec. 1. Donors are then asked to return the stuffed stockings to Halbritter Wickens to be shipped out or delivered. Those wishing to donate to active duty military will need to return the stockings by Dec. 3 in order to allow time for shipping overseas. Those donating to local veterans should drop their stockings of by Dec. 10.

“People can donate items, too, without the stockings,” Sabrina said. “Our nursing homes have volunteers who have volunteered to stuff the stockings.”

Halbritter Wickens frequently hosts service projects. For the past two years the funeral home has collected gently used or new coats and snow pants. In 2018, they hosted a mystery dinner fundraiser, where they raised $1,000 to purchase coats and snow pants. The funeral home was recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association with the Pursuit of Excellence Award for its innovative programming.

“We have always been the kind of people that give back to the community,” Steve said.

“Our business is solely based on the community,” Sabrina added. “We couldn’t do our job without the people in the community. I like giving back to the community that supports us.”

Steve and Sabrina hope their most recent effort puts a smile on the faces of veterans and military officials receiving the donations.

“Providing our heroes with some good tidings and holiday cheer is a great way for us to show our support and appreciation for the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe and secure,” Steve said.