Donations of Food, Safety Gear, Masks Pour in for Front line Workers

It has been a tough few months. The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm. While millions of people are dying due to this virus, many are putting themselves in danger to serve the community. Frontline workers are getting up, suiting up and showing up every day at work to ensure people can stay home and safe while hoping everything goes back to something close to normal. 

“We yet do not know when everything gets normal and what it would look like, but we do know that it’s high time to support each other, especially those working on the frontline,” says Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder in Scarpaci Funeral Home. Many brands, companies, and organizations are donating money, food, masks, gloves, and whatnot to help. While the government is struggling to manufacture and provide enough supplies to the frontline workers, organizations, as well as people around the nation, have given whatever they could afford to bring resources to the front lines. 

Michael Scarpaci has also contributed to the coronavirus fund to support and help health workers, trash collectors, electricity department, and anyone who is putting themselves at risk to serve us. He has even donated $300 to support America’s oldest restaurant Delmonico’s that is on the verge of going under due to the crisis caused by COVID-19. ‘

If you would also like to donate to the charities helping coronavirus relief, don’t hold back. You can check GoFundMe.com and do your part in supporting families affected by this deadly virus.

3 Tips to Reduce The Cost of a Funeral - Michael Scarpaci

Michael Scarpaci, explains that besides emotional stress, losing a loved one can also be financially exhausting. This is often because the family of the deceased spends a lot of money on organizing the funeral and memorial service. This often results in a financial burden. In fact, according to a report by the National Funeral Directors Association, the cost of organizing a funeral and burial is approximately $7,323 that includes viewing, embalming, and metal casket. 

Considering this statistic, Michael Scarpaci shares a few tips to reduce the cost of a funeral or memorial service. Michael Scarpaci has been arranging funerals for years and offers the most inexpensive way to arrange a funeral in their funeral home. 

Set a Budget

Just like any other occasion, it is important to set a budget for arranging a funeral service for the deceased. We understand funerals are sensitive occasion but you don’t want to go overboard with the expenses only to find yourself in a financial crisis after this is over. Set a budget and strictly follow it. 

Choose caskets and urns according to your budget 

When it comes to caskets and urns, they are the most expensive things at a funeral. However, you can save a lot of money by choosing an inexpensive casket. Also, when it comes to caskets, the major cost involved is the shipping cost. If you buy them from a local provider, you can save money on shipping. Michael Scarpaci provides quality caskets to their customers as per their preferences. You can always talk to your funeral organizer if they can arrange one for you. 

Ask for help from friends and family

Another way to cut down on the funeral costs is by asking for help from your loved ones. For example, you can ask them to bring food to the wake, instead of hiring a professional caterer.

You may find these tips simple, but they are extremely effective and can really help you slash down the funeral cost. 

Frontline Workers Battle - a Different Perspective on the Pandemic | Michael Scarpaci

Other than doctors, and healthcare professionals, there are many other frontline workers of the COVID-19. These often unseen and unlikely COVID-19 warriors are stepping up and suiting up to provide their services and protecting us all.

Frontline workers are in significant danger due to their line of work. But this hasn’t stopped them from showing up at work every single day and risking their lives for the safety of other people. These unsung heroes ensure that the trash is collected, the power is on, the hospitals are clean and they even help us bury our dead.

The United States has reached its worse on Monday, April 8, when the total deaths from coronavirus crossed 30,000. Needless to mention, the virus has taken over the entire country, and the number of affected people from the Covid-19 continuing to increase.

The situation is more terrible in New York, where more than 13,000 people have died. Funeral homes are among the most essential frontline departments that have been affected by the condition caused by this novel coronavirus.

Juju Chang, an award-winning ABC Nightline reporter, recently covered the work of Anthony Pennachio, manager at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn, New York. “Currently, we have 17 funerals that usually require a whole month’s work but needed to be done in just 4 days,” says Anthony Pennachio. He further adds, “we are not making any in-person arrangements anymore, we are communicating through Facetime or Zoom, sending the pictures of caskets on people’s smartphones so they can make selections.”

Amidst this pandemic, funeral homes like Scarpaci Funeral Home, are not only running out of gloves, gowns, and masks but also space to keep the deceased. Considering the condition, Scarpaci Funeral Home is not only serving the community amidst this crisis but has also donated on GoFundMe and raised over 30k for many frontline workers’ meals. Michael Scarpaci says, “Today, it has become more important than ever to protect each other and stay together.”

4 Ways by Michael Scarpaci to celebrate the birthday of a deceased loved one

Birthdays are always special, as they bring joy, happiness, and celebration. But when it comes to celebrating the birthday of a deceased loved one, they may become hard to handle, especially if someone has recently lost a loved one. However, if you take time to celebrate the birthday of your deceased loved one, you will not only honor them but also help yourself heal, says Michael Scarpaci.

Please keep in mind that this time is specific to you, so it’s up to you how you want to celebrate the birthday of your deceased loved one. From visiting and decorating graves to throwing parties and just lighting a candle, these are some of the ways most people celebrate and honor their deceased loved ones’ birthday. If you have your deceased loved one’s birthday coming up, but have no idea how to make it special. Don’t worry! Below Michael Scarpaci has given a few ideas on how to celebrate the birthday of a lost loved one.

Here are some great ways to celebrate your deceased loved one’s birthday!

Plan a get together with your close friends and family members - In a world where people are throwing parties to celebrate birthdays, you can choose something fun and exciting with your close friends and family members to celebrate your lost loved one’s birthday. For example, you can either plan a dinner or do an activity that your deceased special person liked.

Plant a tree - How about adding a new tree or plant to your garden each year on the birthday of your loved one who has passed away? Isn’t it great? Whenever you take a walk in your garden, you can cherish all the memories about your loved one every time you see that plant or tree.

Donate money or time - Another great way to honor your loved one on their birthday is to donate your money or time to any charitable organizations. In case, if your deceased special one had a favorite organization or she/he was associated with any, you can help that community with your money or precious time.

Float flowers - You can also celebrate your loved one’s birthday by floating their favorite flowers down a river or any water body. Well, this act is very therapeutic as well.

To warp up

These are some of the ideas to celebrate and honor your lost loved ones. If you like to do something else like planning a trip or vacation, it's all up to you. After all, grief is personal and how you deal with it depends on you.

What are the benefits of prepaying your funeral?

Death is inevitable! One day everyone has to die.

Once the person dies, the next important step is arranging a funeral ceremony. It takes lots of planning, preparation, and decisions, which may become chaotic for some people. Besides emotional burden, often families also experience financial problems after the loss of their loved ones, especially if he/she was the only one earning bed and butter for the family. Therefore, in such situations, arranging a funeral service can further add on to their financial burden, says Michael Scarpaci.

If you don’t want to put your loved ones through financial difficulties after your death, then prepaying your funeral is the best way. Well, prepaying your funeral comes with several benefits. By doing this, you can not only take care of the cost but also plan a desirable funeral ceremony. Michael Scarpaci and his team, at Scarpaci Funeral Home of Staten Island, have helped a number of clients organize their funeral and memorial services.

Are you still confused about whether to choose a pre-paid funeral or not? If yes, then below are some of the reasons by Michael why prepaying your funeral is beneficial.

Peace of mind - There is nothing more comforting than knowing that everything will be in order, even after your death. Of course, your family and friends will always miss your presence. But at least, they won’t be dealing with finances to arrange your funeral when life already will be chaos.

By prepaying your funeral, you can lessen the financial burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family the details of the funeral home where you have pre-planned your funeral.

Plan a desirable funeral - Almost everyone has some thoughts about their funeral ceremony. For example, you probably want your family and friends to play your favorite music, use your favorite flowers for decoration or bury/cremate your body.

With so many things to manage during the funeral, your loved ones may forget to use your favorite flowers or play your favorite music. Therefore, it is best to leave your funeral ceremony planning to professionals. By pre-planning your funeral, you can tell your wishes to the funeral home manager, such as the theme, the venue, the flowers, the music and more. However, make sure you involve your loved ones in funeral planning, as it plays an important role in grieving.
 
It saves you money - Another major advantage of prepaying your funeral is that you can save a lot of money. When you plan ahead and prepay your funeral, you pay according to the current price and the cost of the funeral will rise due to any reasons, even inflation.

In closing

When it comes to prepaying your funeral, it is not only empowering but also brings a great sense of peace of mind. This is because your loved ones don’t have to experience financial and decision making stress after your death. Instead, they can take part in your funeral, which is an important part of grieving.

Attending a funeral ceremony? Swap those flowers with these alternatives

Time is changing, and so are the way funerals and memorials are celebrated.

Today, people are ditching the old ways of celebrating the deceased's life. From playing their favorite music to using their personalized things for decoration and cooking their favorite meal, these are some of the ways people choose to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Michael Scarpaci, at Scarpaci Funeral Home of Staten Island, has been helping people arrange customized funeral ceremonies for them and their families.

Although flowers have been associated with funerals for many years, people have started to swap them with other alternatives due to various reasons. Maybe your bereaved friend doesn’t like flowers or flower arrangements may not seem an ideal way to show your love and affection.

If you’ve recently lost a close friend or family member and they don’t like the idea of keeping wilted flowers days or weeks after the funeral, then you may want to choose an alternative to sympathy flowers.

The following are the alternatives to sympathy flowers that you can choose to show your love and respect towards your bereaved loved one.

A potted plant - One of the major disadvantages of flower arrangements is that they wilt after a few days and eventually die. It is often disheartening for the deceased’s family to throw those flowers away. This is why unlike flower arrangements that are usually thrown to the dust bin, a potted plant can last longer and brighten up a room. However, it is advisable to choose a plant that requires minimum care and water to survive.

A charitable donation - These days, people are choosing to make a charitable donation then spending money on lifeless flower arrangements. After all, it is always better to opt for a cause that is close to the heart of your deceased loved one. For example, if your loved one was suffering from a particular disease, you can donate to organizations or charities helping people with cure and care.

Food - Another great way to tell the bereaved that you care is cooking food. It is one of the best ways to lend your support to the grieving family, as food would be the last thing they would be thinking after the loss. Therefore, you can either cook food for the bereaved or send a basket of muffins and cookies. Or, if you’re looking for a healthy option, a fruit basket is also a great option.
In closing

If you’re looking for a unique way to show your love and respect to the bereaved, then choosing one of these options is the best idea. 

Michael Scarpaci : 6 Ways to reconnect with yourself after the loss

Of course, the loss of a loved one is painful, says Michael Scarpaci. Michael and his team meets a variety of people grieving after the loss. In fact, Scarpaci Funeral home of New York has helped a number of people getting back on track after the grief.

Often, people feel a sense of loneliness or lose interest in activities they used to enjoy the most. Some people choose to stay at home, and others may shut away from the world. But do you know if this type of lifestyle goes on for a long time the person may not be able to heal? This is why it is important to keep yourself engaged in things that nurture you, even when you don’t feel like doing it.

If you or your loved one have been grieving over the loss of someone special for a very long time, it’s time to reconnect to life.

Here are some ways that help you reconnect with yourself after grief.

Look for the right opportunity to reconnect - Grieving is normal. Once you have been given enough time to yourself grieving, the next step is exploring to identify the right opportunity to slowly make a way to your routine life. It’s not necessary to look for big ways to re-engage in your life, you can begin with small steps. For example, you can call a friend or family member to have a conversation at least for a few minutes, you can meet a friend over a coffee for an hour, or can even go out to lunch.

Never try to run away from your feelings - Often, grief results in turbulent emotions and most of them are negative ones, which we try to avoid. You may experience some days when you will not feel like getting out of your bed. No matter how hard it is, don't beat yourself up for spending several hours in bed without food. Instead, accept your feelings and try to make new changes in your life.

Don’t shy away from seeking others’ help - Never hide from your friends and family about how you are feeling after the loss. It is good to seek support and companionship from your loved ones in your hard times. Don’t shy away from asking them to regularly check on you and invite you for family or friends gatherings.

Takeaway

Everyone griefs after the loss of their special ones. It is very normal. But one thing you need to keep in mind is that grief is a process, not a prolonged event. This means no matter what, you need to resume your normal activities after a certain period. If it’s difficult for you, there is nothing bad in reaching out to others for help.