Operation Honor Guard Announces 2026 Day of Giving

Annual fundraiser to support veteran services will take place at multiple locations across central Illinois

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a military honor guard uniform cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the celebratory spirit of the Operation Honor Guard's community fundraiser.The Operation Honor Guard's annual Day of Giving fundraiser celebrates the organization's vital work supporting veterans in central Illinois.Champaign Today

Operation Honor Guard, a nonprofit organization that provides military funeral honors and other veteran support services, has announced its annual Day of Giving fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The event will take place at the WCIA 3 backlot in Champaign, Illinois, as well as at donation locations in Mahomet, Tuscola, Danville, Mattoon, Decatur, Lincoln, and Taylorville.

Why it matters

Operation Honor Guard plays a vital role in recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans in central Illinois through its military funeral honors program and other community outreach. The Day of Giving is the organization's largest annual fundraiser, allowing it to continue providing these important services at no cost to veterans' families.

The details

The Day of Giving will feature donation collection at the WCIA 3 backlot in Champaign as well as at several satellite locations across the region. Donors can also contribute online through the Operation Honor Guard website. Funds raised will support the organization's military funeral honors program, veteran assistance initiatives, and other community engagement efforts.

  • The Operation Honor Guard Day of Giving will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The players

Rich Darby

President and Founder of Operation Honor Guard.

Operation Honor Guard

A nonprofit organization that provides military funeral honors and other veteran support services in central Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“The Operation Honor Guard Day of Giving will be Wednesday, May 6 at the WCIA 3 backlot in Champaign. There will also be a number of donation locations, including Mahomet, Tuscola, Danville, Mattoon, Decatur, Lincoln and Taylorville.”

— Rich Darby, President and Founder, Operation Honor Guard

What’s next

Donors can visit the Operation Honor Guard website to contribute online or find information on the specific donation locations for the Day of Giving event.

The takeaway

The Operation Honor Guard Day of Giving is a critical annual fundraiser that allows the organization to continue providing military funeral honors and other vital services to veterans and their families across central Illinois at no cost.