Local flower shops helping those in need

    Florists across central United States expect to gather more than 20 tons of food next week for those in need.
    Named “Caring Rose Week,” florists are discounting bouquets of a dozen roses and some are accepting canned goods as partial payment during the week of Nov. 11-16.
    In Imperial, both Lavender Market and 3 Country Chicks are taking part.
    At 3 Country Chicks, if two cans of food are brought into the business, they will provide a dozen roses for $10.
    At Lavender Market, $10 will purchase a dozen roses. Proceeds there will be donated to the Chase County Food Pantry.
    Coming at the onset of seasonally cold weather, Caring Rose Week aims to help food-distribution programs when families begin to experience the greatest financial pressure.
    Now in its 21st year, Caring Rose Week has distributed over a half million pounds of food since its inception. The concept is the brainchild of Harry Whelden, General Manager of North American Wholesale Florists in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
    “Almost 250 flower shops across the Great Plains are helping meet this need, and I’m truly grateful,” Whelden said. “While many are buying toys and other Christmas gifts, many across America are without food.”
    In a related effort, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness takes place each year one week before Thanksgiving.