How can you spread happiness, reduce loneliness, and let seniors know they are remembered and loved?
Thanks to the Community Service Through Flowers Project, dozens of volunteers in Westchester are doing just that — brightening lives one bouquet at a time. Coordinated by Cortlandt Manor resident Marla Gardner and sponsored by Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson, this heartwarming initiative transforms donated, unsold blooms into cheerful floral arrangements delivered to local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
The idea took root in early 2022, when Gardner, recently retired from her role as director of curriculum and instructional services at PNW BOCES, found herself wondering how to combine her two great loves: flowers and helping people.
“I thought, ‘What if I could do something meaningful in retirement that brings beauty into people’s lives?’” she says.
After a bit of online searching, she discovered BloomAgainBklyn, a thriving Brooklyn-based nonprofit that repurposes donated flowers for hospitals and senior centers. Inspired by their impact, Gardner reached out to Rabbi Jennifer Jaech at Temple Israel.
The rabbi and the temple were thrilled to back the project — providing event space, custodial assistance, and promotional support — and the first flower arranging project was held in April 2022 with 15 enthusiastic volunteers and an assortment of donated flowers. Since then, it’s grown to a steady team of around 50 volunteers, with over 20 people showing up at each quarterly session.
Volunteers gather for about 90 minutes to snip, arrange, and assemble bouquets using flowers donated by Trader Joe’s in Yorktown, Forever Yours Flowers and Gifts in Peekskill, Rubrums Florist in Ossining, and, previously, Seasons on the Hudson in Irvington,
Each volunteer brings clear glass vases and a pair of scissors. The arrangements—typically 70 to 90 per session—are filled with roses, lisianthus, tulips, mums, baby’s breath, and sometimes even orchids. “They’re like mini rainbows made of flowers,” says Gardner.
Once completed, the arrangements are hand-delivered by volunteers to local care facilities, including Springvale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Sky View Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Croton-on-Hudson; Yorktown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Cortlandt Manor; Country House in Westchester, Yorktown Heights; Cedar Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Ossining, and Emerald Peek Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Peekskill.
The reaction from residents is always the same—smiles and gratitude. “It’s not just about flowers,” Gardner says. “It’s the message that someone out there is thinking about them.”
The project thrives on community spirit. Volunteers hail from Temple Israel’s membership as well as local churches, synagogues, and community members, united by a common desire to give back. Some volunteers have become regulars, others pop in when they can—but all are warmly welcomed.
Florists have played an instrumental role, too. Debi DiSisto, owner of Forever Yours Flowers, was one of the first to say yes to the project. “She’s incredibly generous and has been leading the flower arranging sessions from the very beginning,” Gardner says.
“Being part of the community and providing service through flowers has been so much fun and rewarding for me. The ladies enjoy designing the arrangements and knowing that it will bring joy to those people receiving them,” says DiSisto.
Rubrums Florist also stepped up with regular flower donations, while Seasons on the Hudson provided exotic blooms—like giant orchids and tropical blossoms – along with many other flowers.
Just this year Trader Joe’s in Yorktown joined in. “They’re really community-minded, and their support is essential to the success of the project,” says Gardner. As the project continues to grow, so does its impact. For the seniors receiving the arrangements, it’s a reminder that they matter. For the volunteers, it’s a chance to create something beautiful and meaningful together.
Gardner is always on the lookout for more donations. “We’d love to hear from other florists or venues with flowers that are willing to contribute to the project,” she says.
Send an email to marlabeth.gardner@gmail.com for more information.
