ELKHART - Billings Funeral Home has announced the return of its annual Stockings for Veterans initiative, dedicated to honoring and spreading holiday cheer to military veterans.

Through Dec. 16, the community is invited to participate by picking up stockings from Billings Funeral Home, filling them with thoughtful items and returning them to ensure they reach local veterans in time for Christmas.

The process is simple:

Pick up a stocking from Billings Funeral Home, located at 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

Stuff it with Christmas cheer, using the suggested items list, which includes food treats, personal care items, comfort products and entertainment options.

Return the filled stocking by Dec. 16 during office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.

Suggested items for the stockings include individually wrapped candies, warm gloves, crossword puzzle books, miniature American flags and heartfelt thank-you cards. A full list of recommendations is available with each stocking.

All stockings will be hand-delivered to veterans in the local community as a gesture of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

"We are honored to host this annual event, which gives our community the opportunity to say thank you to our veterans in a personal and meaningful way," said Jeremy Sarber, representative of Billings Funeral Home.