WATCH: Operation Honor Guard 2024

Update at 5:50 p.m.

From more than $122,000 to more than $129,000, we’re inching closer and closer to our $135,000 goal.

Traffic on the WCIA 3 backlot is starting to pick up. Are you on your way home from work, running errands, or out picking up dinner? Why not swing by an Operation Honor Guard donation site on the way?

Visit our webpage for a list of locations or to give online.

Update 5:15 p.m.

We have officially passed our goal of $120,000 for Operation Honor Guard’s Day of Giving!

We thank you all the generous donors from throughout Central Illinois — but we’re not done yet.

Coverage continues as we try to reach our new goal of $135,000.

Update at 4:55 p.m.

The friendly competition between the Danville and Champaign Operation Honor Guard collection sites continues.

WCIA 3’s Will Simmons spoke with Ethan Darby, Chief Marketing Officer of Sunset Funeral Home, about how the day has gone and generous donations that community members have left. Darby said he is optimistic that donations will ramp up as people get off work, and encourages Danville locals to help them win against Champaign.

Meanwhile, WCIA’s Jennifer Roscoe gave a shout-out to John, a veteran directing passer-bys to out backlot site, who said he would cover donors who left work early to come donate.

Update at 3:15 p.m.

An anonymous supporter dropped off a coin this afternoon. That may sound like a drop in the bucket, but this penny is prettier than it looks. In fact, this coin is valued at $1,100.

Tune in to channel 3 tonight to learn more about this big-hearted and very unique donation. Thank you, mystery donor!

Update at 2:45 p.m.

Spirits are high for veterans, volunteers, and generous community members at the WCIA 3 backlot.

There is still plenty of time to swing by any of the below locations and donate:

• WCIA 3 Backlot – 509 S. Neil St., Champaign

• Hall of Fame Plaque and Sign Shop – 3550 N. Vermilion St., Danville

• Sunset Funeral Home

  • 1102 Churchill Rd., Mahomet

  • 414 S. State St., Westville

• Mitchell Jerdan Funeral Home – 1200 Wabash Ave., Mattoon

• Dawson-Wikoff North Chapel – 4020 N. Water St., Decatur

• Tuscola Moose Lodge 729 – 807 E. Southline Rd., Tuscola

Update at 1 p.m.

WCIA 3’s Brandon Merano spoke with Post Commander Terry Furchow of Arthur American Legion Post #479 about the benefits of Operation Honor Guard.

In the meantime, donations continue to be collected across Central Illinois. That includes the Champaign location in WCIA 3’s backlot off South Randolph Street. So far, nearly $45,000 has been raised.

High-fives were given all around for the accomplishment!

Update at 12 p.m.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA’s Brandon Merano talks with Operation Honor Guard Founder Rich Darby on why he founded the nonprofit, and how they are honoring Robert Sims with this year’s event.

It costs about $800 to outfit a single Honor Guard Member, and it takes seven of them at least to perform a military ceremony. According to Darby, to outfit all of the Honor Guard members in Central Illinois, it would cost $1.8 million to write a check.

Update at 10 a.m.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Eric Jordan with Lanz Heating and Cooling presents a $5,000 donation to Rich Darby and the Operation Honor Guard.

Update at 9:30 a.m.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Jim Hampton with Tatman’s Towing — a longtime sponsor for Operation Honor Guard — presents a $5,000 check to Rich Darby and the Operation Honor Guard.

Update at 9:10 a.m.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Alex Huber with the Richard Group LLC presented a $5,000 check donation to Rich Darby and the Operation Honor Guard.

Update at 9:05 a.m.

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA’s Jack Krumm is with Ralph Reed, who has been involved with the American Legion Post 210 for 41 years.

Businesses present generous donations to Operation Honor Guard

Reed recalls when he first joined, the only thing the Legion paid for was his tie, and white gloves. Now, he says the help of donations provides uniforms for them.

“We really look nice,” Reed added.

Reed talks about some of the changes he’s seen over the years due to generosity of the donors.

UPDATE at 9 a.m.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA’s Brandon Merano joins the founder of Operation Honor Guard, Rich Darby, at the WCIA backlot donation site. Darby talks about the creation of Operation Honor Guard and its overall mission.

This year, the event is in memory of Robert Sims, who served many years on the honor guard. Sims was tragically struck by an automobile and killed.

“I felt it upon my heart to, let’s dedicate this year, and Central Illinois, let’s beat our goal not for me, but for Robert this year,” Darby said.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Today marks WCIA’s 11th year participating in Operation Honor Guard’s Day of Giving — an event dedicated to support the veterans who continue to serve our country.

Operation Honor Guard 2024

Below is a list of the connection sites.

Throughout the day, we will be providing updates on those being recognized and more. WCIA will be collecting donations from the community from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more or donate online, click here. Our reporters will be out in many of the collection locations throughout Central Illinois.

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