Island Volunteer Caregivers, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and individuals with limited disabilities, recently announced the start of its 2024 Flowers from the Heart program.

The initiative, now in its twenty-sixth year, aims to bring joy and smiles to those in need by delivering hundreds of beautiful bouquets each summer, an IVC news release states. In 2023, the program achieved a milestone by delivering 900 bouquets and holiday floral mugs to IVC care receivers, community heroes, and individuals in need of cheer. This year, the program continues this tradition of kindness over an eight-week period in July and August.

The program is driven by two IVC volunteers, Robin Nigash and Bob Anderson. Nigash, who connected with the program 16 years ago, has become the “command center” for its 50+ IVC volunteer growers, arrangers, and deliverers, per the release.

Anderson, a veteran in the floral industry, is Nigash’s indispensable partner. He grows starts, provides instruction, and offers patient guidance to the floral arrangers. Anderson also leads a group of five growers to ensure a steady stream of flowers, with about 1,200-1,500 stems needed each week during the summer to create IVC’s gorgeous arrangements.

Here’s how the community can get involved with the program:

Nominate Someone: If you know someone deserving who could use a touch of happiness—whether they are recovering from an illness, experiencing a recent loss, marking the anniversary of a death, or simply in need of a little cheer—email the IVC office at info@ivcbainbridge.org and provide the recipient’s full name, address and phone number.

Donate Flowers: If you have extra flowers in your garden, the program can use them. Bring them to Eagle Harbor Church and leave them in the buckets at the front of the church, Monday-Thursday by 10 a.m.

Volunteer: Go to https://www.ivcbainbridge.org/become-volunteer to apply.

“This is the kind of program that makes our community special—neighbors supporting neighbors, lending a helping hand when you see someone who needs it,” Joanne Maher said, executive director of IVC. “When the world seems a bit upside down, Bainbridge Island and its heartfelt traditions shine bright.”

To learn more about IVC and the program, visit ivcbainbridge.org.