The Petal Connection (TPC) spreads kindness to hospice patients and seniors in our community one petal at a time. Donated flowers—often from local grocers, floral farms, weddings, events, and community members—are lovingly arranged by volunteers into beautiful bouquets and then distributed to those in need throughout the community. Receiving an arrangement lets the recipients know they’re loved and not forgotten—a simple gesture that makes a big impact. 

For more information, including ways you can donate or volunteer, visit thepetalconnection.org

Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Forde

What made you want to become a volunteer for The Petal Connection? I read an article about the organization shortly after my youngest child left for college. Since I had some newfound free time and TPC combines several of my favorite things—flowers, repurposing, community, and kindness—I knew it was the place for me!

What do your volunteer duties entail? I’ve done all of the following at one time or another: picked up donated flowers from events and retail partners, harvested flowers, opened the shop, sorted and cleaned flowers, greened the cans, designed arrangements, been a shop facilitator to keep the day flowing, packed arrangements for delivery, mentored new volunteers, wrapped the cans we use for vases with burlap, washed towels, and delivered arrangements to senior living facilities.

Is there training required? Yes. New volunteers get trained for the various jobs available and are paired with experienced mentors for their first several times to learn where things are, the routines, and the best practices for producing beautiful, long-lasting bouquets.

What’s the time commitment? Most weeks I give four to five hours, and I try to be here every week, if possible.

What has been the best day of volunteering so far? There isn’t any one day that stands out. Anytime I’m helping TPC is a good day. I usually work on Mondays, and I find that it’s a great way to start my week. In addition to working with beautiful flowers, I’m also surrounded by creative, smart, generous, fun people. I’ve made so many wonderful friends here! I get so much more back from this amazing organization than I give.

What’s one of the biggest challenges? Days when we’re light on donations can be challenging. Interestingly, it’s often on those days that we get an unexpected donation from a wedding, another type of event, or from a generous home gardener. We never know what we’re going to get, but somehow, we always make it work!

Photos by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia