Holiday Honor Drive Extends Business Sign-Up Deadline

DESLOGE, Mo. — For veterans living in nursing homes, Christmas can be a lonely time, especially for those with few visitors or family members nearby. A local holiday drive is inviting businesses and residents across the Parkland region to help make the season a little brighter.

Lightspeed Restoration of Farmington and the Desloge Chamber of Commerce are organizing the second annual Holiday Honor Drive. The campaign collects comfort items and everyday essentials for veterans in area nursing homes.

Businesses now have through Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to sign up as collection sites. Donation collection is scheduled to begin on Veterans Day, November 11, and continue through December 15.

Mark Curfman, owner of Lightspeed Restoration of Farmington, said the effort is intended to recognize veterans who may not receive many visitors or gifts during the holidays.

“These men and women served our country, and I don’t believe they should ever feel forgotten,” Curfman said. “If we can come together as a community and put a smile on their faces, even for a little while, then we’ve accomplished something meaningful.”

Participating businesses can host a donation box for customers, employees and community members. Organizers are offering two sizes: a 40-gallon box for locations expecting more donations and a 13-gallon box for businesses with less available space. There is no cost to host a box.

Suggested donations include warm socks, blankets and personal-care items. Organizers say small contributions are welcome; the campaign’s purpose is to provide useful comforts and let veterans know their community is thinking of them.

Collected items will be delivered to veterans living in nursing facilities in the area. The organizers are encouraging residents of St. Francois County and nearby communities to donate at participating locations during the collection period.

Businesses interested in hosting a box can contact Lightspeed Restoration of Farmington at 573-366-7668 or the Desloge Chamber of Commerce at 573-431-3006.

The extended sign-up deadline is November 10. Boxes are expected to become available beginning November 11, and donations will be accepted through December 15.

For Curfman, the drive is a way to remember people who may otherwise be overlooked during the holiday rush. “I want them to know that people in this community still care about them,” he said.