Petal It Forward
Research Shows Emotional Benefits of Flowers, Smith’s Florist & Gift Shoppe Encourages everyone to ‘Petal It Forward’
On October 20, 2021, Smith’s Florist and Gift Shoppe in partnership with Helping the Homeless will be Petaling it Forward. Wrapped bouquets will be provided to the first 100 people who bring in one or more food items currently needed by Helping the Homeless in Gloucester and Mathews counties.
Michael Richardson of Smith’s Florist and Gift Shoppe said, “It is our wish to bring flowers to the people of Gloucester to help brighten up their week, as part of the ‘Petal It Forward’ program developed by The Society of American Florists (SAF).
Research from Rutgers, Harvard, and Texas A&M found that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods.
“We see the positive impact day in and day out when people walk into our shoppe, and when we make our flower deliveries,” said Richardson. “People love to get flowers ‘just because,’ so we want to provide a small wrapped bouquet in exchange for a donation to the local food program. It’s a win for our community when we all come together to feed the hungry.”
Pastor Wendy from Helping the Homeless shared that the following items are most needed:
pop lid canned goods
soups
raviolis
instant oatmeal/grits/cream of wheat individual servings
slim Jim’s/beef jerky’s
individual sized apple sauces and fruit cups
canned meats
pop tarts
instant coffees/creamers/sweeteners/teas/flavored water packets all individual servings
instant hot cocoa/apple ciders (individual servings)
bottled waters
small individual boxed shelf stable milks/juices
“The impact of giving or receiving flowers is powerful and memorable,” said Richardson. “It can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.”
After receiving flowers, recipients are asked to spread their happiness on social media using #gloucestervillage and #petalitforward
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About Smith’s Florist and Gift Shoppe
Smith’s Florist has been proudly serving Gloucester and surrounding areas since 1964. We are committed to offering the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by friendly service. Because all of our customers are important, our professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your floral and gift shoppe items perfect.