Annual Daffodil Days sales begin soon

Both the calendar and Mother Nature seem to agree that the first blooms of the year are still months away. However, the American Cancer Society doesn't think Mat-Su Valley area residents should have to wait that long.

The American Cancer Society recently kicked off its annual Mat-Su Valley Daffodil Days fundraising event. Sales of the Northwest-grown flowers will continue until March 5, with delivery scheduled for March 15 and 16. Each bouquet costs $6 to $10, with the purchase of a royal blue acrylic vase.

"The daffodil is the traditional first flower of spring and the American Cancer Society sees it as a symbol of hope that cancer will one day be eliminated," said Diana Lewis, community development manager for the Anchorage office of the American Cancer Society. "Plus, what better way to boost a friend, co-worker or family member's spirits than by surprising them with a brilliant bouquet of golden daffodils?"

Volunteer daffodil salespeople typically represent their business, church group, school, or social or civic organization. Presently, Lewis is still seeking volunteers to serve as sales representatives at their workplaces.

The money raised from the American Cancer Society daffodil sales is used to continue funding cancer research, the organization's state and national legislative advocacy, and to continue supporting its many community and educational programs.

The flowers will be delivered to the Wasilla Senior Center at 1301 Century Circle in Wasilla on March 15, where they will be wrapped for delivery. The flowers can be picked up at the Wasilla Senior Center on both March 15 and 16.

Lewis said she is asking for volunteers to help with both the wrapping and delivery of the flowers.

"It won't take more than a few hours to wrap or deliver the flowers, but the satisfaction one gets from working on this event, while ultimately helping to defeat this disease is immeasurable," she said.

Anyone wishing to purchase a bouquet of daffodils, would like to serve as a volunteer sales representative, or help with the wrapping and delivery, can call Diana Lewis toll free at 1-800-478-9355, option 3.