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A local girl scout troop is helping support Random Acts of Flowers, an organization dedicated to delivering recycled flowers to those in local healthcare facilities.

Girl Scout Troop 20617 is supporting the organization after their troop leader, Amanda Buchanan, received several bouquets from the organization when she was hospitalized.

“While in the hospital this organization sent flowers to my room and it meant a lot each time and I want to give back,” Buchanan said.

The troop is collecting donations for the flowers and bouquet materials, along with vases throughout the month of March.

The troop is accepting vases 6 to 9 inches in height that are made for flowers. They are also accepting mason jars.

“We accept these sizes because many of our recipients have limited space, we want them be able to see the entire arrangement at their bedside,” said Program Manager Debbie Fettig. “Additionally, we deliver our bouquets on carts and must fit several vases on the carts at once. “

The organization uses recyclable materials as a way to create their bouquets and also help protect the environment.

“Recycling flowers is the method behind Random Acts of Flowers’ mission,” Fettig said. “We strive to recycle 100 percent of the arrangements we receive, from ribbons, wire and foam, to vases and flowers. Clippings and other green waste are composted and used by landscapers, gardeners and other partners in the community.”

“Our organization is dedicated to keeping floral materials out of the landfills.”

The Girls Scout Troop is also accepting monetary donations to help support Random Act of Flowers. All it takes is a $10 donation to build one of their arrangements.

“We take pride in delivering beautiful floral arrangements that on average would carry a retail value of $70, at a cost of only $10 per bouquet,” Fettig said.

The organization started in 2007 after the founder, Larsen Jay, was in a near-fatal accident.

He credits the support he received from daily visitors and dozens of floral arrangements while in the hospital as a key to providing the encouragement that helped him persevere through the multiple surgeries and challenging recovery process.

As Larsen left his room, he noticed many of his fellow patients did not have visitors or flowers. Therefore, the first “Random Act of Flowers” delivery was made moments later as Larsen re-purposed his flowers and delivered them from his wheelchair.

The memories of how a simple gesture touched his fellow patients compelled Larsen to form Random Acts of Flowers in 2008.

Today, Random Acts of Flowers delivers hundreds of bouquets to individuals in local healthcare facilities.

For more information on Girl Scout Troop 20617 fundraiser to support Random Acts of Flowers or to donate call 912-550-3375.