Bloom Again Oxford is a volunteer organization founded to repurpose still-beautiful, donated flowers from weddings and events to deliver to hospitals, nursing homes and other residential facilities as well to special community volunteers and those in public service to brighten up days for many.
Founded in early 2015 by Betty Musselwhite, the organization has grown over the past year.
“We definitely have more of a presence in the community since we began and are enjoying building relationships with event planners, florists, funeral homes and venues that have facilited the flower donation process,” said Betty. “And we are still identifying new recipients for those flowers. It’s been great getting donated flowers into the hands of those that can enjoy them and so affirming when we’re asked to come back and bring more flowers!”
The organization thrives with the help of its volunteers. Betty said, “So far, we’ve had twenty or so folks participate and we would certainly like to see that grow so we can accept more donations. Our volunteers are returning so I think they’re having some fun! We are very appreciative of the time they have devoted to Bloom Again. We simply could not do it without them.”
Bloom Again Oxford accepts donations from wedding and other event venues. Betty said donations have increased over the years since the organization began.
She said, “Donations from wedding receptions and other events are steadily picking up as more people hear about Bloom Again and the spring and summer weddings have begun! We lost a bit of momentum last fall while I had to take a few months off to deal with breast cancer so we are not quite where we thought we’d be by now in terms of donations or volunteers. But slow growth has been a good thing – it has allowed us to learn as we go. And we’re having fun too.”
Bloom Again Oxford is involved with the University of Mississippi as well. The organization was recently invited to tell their story to a marketing class.
Betty said, “The students are involved in team projects to create ideas and marketing plans for volunteer or not for profit organizations like Bloom Again. We are excited to return to campus to hear their presentations and get some direction for ways to promote Bloom Again, particularly on campus. We’d love to see a student organization take on a community service project by working with us, helping to manage the process from donation to selecting the recipients and making the final flower delivery.”
Bloom Again Oxford is seen as a ray of sunshine in the Oxford community. The volunteers work to bring happiness to others and to make their days a little brighter. They believe that “it’s all about paying it forward with small acts of kindness!”
Bloom Again Oxford is a volunteer organization that is always welcoming volunteers and donations. If you would like to arrange to donate flowers from a wedding reception or event, or volunteer, email Bloomagainoxford@gmail.com or call at 901/485-5212. Volunteers need no special skills (and you get to take a few pretty flowers home!).
To stay updated, visit the Bloom Again Oxford Facebook page.
Cassidy Nessen is a HottyToddy.com intern. She can be reached at cjnessen@go.olemiss.edu.
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