BOUQUETS OF HOPE – SPREADING KINDNESS AND LOVE

Bouquets of Hope

Bouquets of Hope, breathes new life into gently use floral bouquets by turning them into smaller arrangements that are then delivered to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities in the Memphis area.

Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and Bishop Martin Holley, pictured in third photo,  teamed up to bring joy and love to the elderly with bouquets of flowers that had been re-purposed from flowers from Bishop Martin Holley’s installation as Bishop of Memphis.

Bouquets of Hope also serves as a job training and employment opportunity for clients from Immigration Services and St. Sebastian Veterans Services. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with top floral designers in the Memphis area while also learning job skills that will last a lifetime.

A study done in 2001 by Rutgers University found that flowers helped to ease depression, improve social interaction, and enhance memory in those adults over the age of 55.

A volunteer delivering flowers to a nursing home tells one resident, “It’s called a bouquet of hope today and its to make you smile, and I’m not allowed to leave until you give me a smile.”

We love this video that shares the kindness and love that is spread by this ministry.

Bouquets of Hope is a volunteer-driven opportunity. You can find out more about this ministry and ways you could help by contacting Christine at [email protected] or (901) 722-4759.

Photos taken by Karen Pulfer Focht

It takes a lot of forks and spoons….

It is really hard to imagine that every day around the world millions of people don’t have enough food. Statistics are important but don’t really show the stories of people who need help and the people who are trying to help.  Sometimes, it is best reflected in a single place like the New London Meal Center in New London, CT pictured here.  The New London Meal Center serves more than 73,000 meals in a year and is run by dedicated people with a large roster of volunteers, these organizations are critical to prevent starvation.  For a single meal, about 200 forks, knives, and spoons, lots of cucumbers for the salad, and so much more are needed.  Along with 6-8 happy volunteers (pictured here from Congregation Beth El) working as a team to help the dedicated Center staff.  Beyond the food, however, they provide an easy and natural welcoming to patrons, emphasizing the importance of the human gift of a smile and warm, non-judgmental welcome beyond the nutritional gift to people who are struggling.    Click here to learn more about the New London Meal center or here about hunger in America.