BY DICK GOFF

The beauty of flowers in our gardens surely brings us joy. We can multiply and deepen this joy by sharing some of that beauty to bring joy into the lives of others, especially those who are lonely or suffering in other ways.

How can we do this? A great opportunity exists through the “Flowers from the Heart” program of Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) a program that runs every year from June into late August.

Here’s how it works.

As your flowers burst into bloom, bring as many of them as you like to Eagle Harbor Congregational Church any weekday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and put them into buckets on the Church’s front porch.

IVC volunteers will then arrange the flowers into beautiful bouquets and deliver them to persons who are shut in, coping with disabilities, illness or injury, or need some cheer for other reasons. The recipients are persons living in their own homes and those in care facilities.

In virtually every case the bouquets will come as a surprise to the recipients. A delightful surprise that never fails to bring big smiles and heart-felt thanks.

As stated by IVC volunteer Sandy Young, who with volunteer Maureen Jurcak is coordinating the program, recipients often greet the flowers  with exclamations like: “How did you know I really needed something like this?” or “You have made my day.”

We won’t know the names of those who receive flowers we donate through Flowers from the Heart. But we will know that our gifts will gladden the hearts of some of our most vulnerable neighbors and bring comfort to those who need it the most. And we can rejoice in that knowledge.

Gratefully, last year about 150 bouquets were distributed through Flowers from the Heart.

IVC is a nonprofit group that connects volunteers with people who need assistance to help them maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. Besides the flowers program, volunteer services include transportation for medical appointments, shopping and other errands; help with household chores, gardening or pets; reading to those who are visually impaired; companionship through visits, walks or other enjoyable activities; and respite care to relieve family caregivers.

For more information about how you can help or support IVC’s mission of caring and compassion, please call IVC at 206-842-4441.

Dick Goff is a member of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Board of Directors.