UPPER TOWNSHIP — “You never know what people are going through or what the day holds for them, but one thing is for sure — they always smile when handed flowers,” said florist Caroline Kopczenski, manager of The Flower Co. in Marmora.
Since 2015, floral industry members nationwide have organized to participate in Petal It Forward. On Oct. 18, The Flower Co. will join florists from all 50 states to spread beauty and positivity throughout the community.
The Flower Co. will be painting the town with 1,000 flowers and inviting the community to help spread the love. The florist will give away two floral bouquets to a local community
The recipient is supposed to keep one bouquet and then Petal It Forward by giving the second bouquet to a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor or even a stranger.
“Personal connection is my biggest thing, but flowers have changed my life and I think everyone deserves more flowers in their life,” Kopczenski said. “We chose to participate because we love giving back to our community. We want to spread the joy of giving and receiving flowers.”
She said the gift of flowers brightens the day for the recipients as well as the florists.
“Flowers are so beautiful in just each individual stem. Being a part of the special life events of so many people in a creative way is very fulfilling,” Kopczenski said.
Petal It Forward is a random-act-of-kindness initiative that began with the Society of American Florists in 2015.
What started as an SAF-led promotional event in New York City has grown nationwide.
Kopczenski said Petal It Forward connects the entire floral industry with community service and spreads a positive message.
Every year, more floral businesses and community members participate. This year, there are more than 500 businesses.
The Flower Co. is open six days a week for deliveries, gifts and retail sales.It also supplies weddings and other events in southern New Jersey.
To participate and support Petal It Forward, visit The Flower Co. at 48 Tuckahoe Road.
By CAMRYN SCHULTHEIS/For The Sentinel