It's Friendship Through Flowers, Thanks to New NHCO Project

Gregg was only a few months into his job at NHCO when he helped create a colorful way to connect with older adults. The In Service of Seniors Projects Coordinator was brainstorming with his coworkers on ways to brighten clients' lives in NHCO's older adult programs. The service helps older adults live with dignity at home by ensuring they are safe and healthy.

They came up with a simple solution – deliver flowers. Gregg contacted several flower shops for donations, and two offered to help to brighten their lives and offer another point of contact with volunteers.

Before picking up the flowers, he needed to recruit delivery volunteers, organize a time and place for them to meet, and create a list of older adults to receive the blooms. Flower recipients were going through a rough time, lived alone, or both. Passengers on our Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle also received flowers.

The first bouquet delivery was back in January to a woman recovering from surgery. Soon after, NHCO received a large donation in time for Valentine's Day, then again before Easter.

"Thank you very much for the beautiful vase of flowers," one senior wrote to NHCO. "I love them and they really brighten my day. Your volunteers are wonderful people and I appreciate them very much."

"The volunteers often spent time with the seniors. Having the volunteers actually sit down and chat with them is really the meaningful part." Gregg said "the flowers are just a vehicle for that to happen!"

About a dozen delivery volunteers made this project possible. They also benefited from the rewarding experience.

"The smiles on the faces of the seniors we have delivered to brings as much joy to us as it does to them," said Heather, who volunteered to make deliveries with her son Kaden.

So far, over 50 older adults received a bouquet or single flower. The project is ongoing and dependent on flower shop donations.

"We're so appreciative of all of the flower donations we've already received and look forward to being able to sow more seeds of love to our older neighbors in the future," said NHCO Programs and Outreach Manager Angela Collins.

To learn more about NHCO's In Service of Seniors Program, both the benefits offered and volunteer opportunities, please visit NHCO.org/services-for-older-adults