The ladies of Altrusa Club of Statesboro are at it again! On Valentine's Day, 35 volunteers from Altrusa spent the day delivering a whopping 330 flower arrangements in and around Statesboro on behalf of Frazier's Flowers. For 12 years running, the two organizations have maintained a unique partnership that creates a win-win for Frazier's and for the community.
On Valentine's Day, Altrusa members (called Altrusans) volunteer countless hours and thousands of steps in Bulloch County delivering Frazier's Valentine’s arrangements. Their time and effort, including the massive logistical undertaking as they sort and plan delivery routes for hundreds of floral masterpieces, are well rewarded: Altrusa receives a portion of every delivery fee, and they use the proceeds to buy books for local children, support Backpack Buddies, and fund other community initiatives.
The day begins early for Frazier’s Flowers’ staff and Altrusa volunteers, but the planning process begins even earlier, often in the days and weeks leading up to the big day. The science behind laying out the arrangements by delivery region and mapping out where each delivery team will go takes time—and practice. Pat Parsons, past president of Altrusa and deliveries coordinator, says she learned the ropes from Nancy Waters, who learned the organizational system and process from John Frazier.
Marjorie Frazier, John Frazier's wife, is an Altrusan and is credited with coming up with the idea as a way to meet two important needs in one fell swoop: Frazier's needed an abundance of great delivery drivers for Valentine's Day and Altrusa needed a great fundraiser to help raise money for their book donations. The idea took root and it has been a wonderfully successful tradition ever since.
On the big day, Altrusa drivers start lining up behind Frazier’s around 8 am to load breathtakingly beautiful arrangements—some in large and elegant vases, others fanciful and festive, some with teddy bears, and some with chocolates and balloons—into the backs of their vehicles and then the real fun begins: calling and stopping by offices, nursing homes, schools, restaurants, and private residences to deliver the arrangements to overjoyed and often surprised recipients.
Seeing the smiles and joy on each recipient’s face and knowing that the funds are supporting the community makes it all the more special.
It’s an all-day hustle with an immeasurable impact, and it's the sweetest way to spend the day of love, spreading love throughout the community.
Altrusa is always accepting new and gently used children's books and monetary donations. For more information or to get involved, contact [email protected].
