When I first heard about Random Acts of Flowers (RAF) I thought “Is this what I think it is-Kindness via flowers?!!” These two things combined are a potent force for sharing joy. We take flowers destined for the dumpster and transform them into bouquets. So, this means picking up flowers Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc., are about to toss and bringing them back to our warehouse, plucking off old petals, trimming stems, and creating one-of-a-kind bouquets that are then delivered to hospitals and nursing homes. We talk to staff at these facilities to ensure we give the arrangements to those who don’t often get visitors. It is such a joy to bring a bouquet into someone’s hospital room, watch their face light up and make that human connection. What we leave in our wake is a gift of natural beauty-a reminder that they are not alone.
As I craft whimsical bouquets, I imagine the delight my creation will bring to a total stranger. I try to construct something uniquely beautiful so that residents can see that there’s a whole community force with genuine concern for their well-being.
People from across our city pitch in by donating vases or ribbon. We get flower donations from weddings and even funerals. When we use those memorial flowers, we let the recipient know which family gave flowers in the name of a loved one, and in this way the family who has experienced loss is able to send flowers to a person in need of comfort.
We also strive for low environmental impact-we compost whatever flowers we don’t use and re-use water. The volunteers upcycle glass containers of our own-decoupaging them to hold bouquets that are sent out to seniors and hospital patients across our area. It’s inspiring that an organization started right here in Knoxville has grown to several states-our mission's taking hold and moving outward. I love being a part of this viral enterprise of harnessing the good wishes, generosity, and big hearts of our city towards the greater goal of “spreading hope, one bouquet at a time."
As I craft whimsical bouquets, I imagine the delight my creation will bring to a total stranger. I try to construct something uniquely beautiful so that residents can see that there’s a whole community force with genuine concern for their well-being.
People from across our city pitch in by donating vases or ribbon. We get flower donations from weddings and even funerals. When we use those memorial flowers, we let the recipient know which family gave flowers in the name of a loved one, and in this way the family who has experienced loss is able to send flowers to a person in need of comfort.
We also strive for low environmental impact-we compost whatever flowers we don’t use and re-use water. The volunteers upcycle glass containers of our own-decoupaging them to hold bouquets that are sent out to seniors and hospital patients across our area. It’s inspiring that an organization started right here in Knoxville has grown to several states-our mission's taking hold and moving outward. I love being a part of this viral enterprise of harnessing the good wishes, generosity, and big hearts of our city towards the greater goal of “spreading hope, one bouquet at a time."
