How to send flowers to Charlotte widows this Valentine’s Day

Driving the news: Ashley Manning, who owns Pretty Things by A.E. Manning, organized a Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach to show neighbors love around a difficult holiday.

Last year, they were able to provide 121 arrangements, including to Manning’s 93-year-old neighbor, who told Manning, “when you’ve lost your husband so long ago, you forget that it even felt like this.”

Manning’s daughter, Mia asked her if that moment with their neighbor was why she does these things, telling her mother how good it made her feel to make someone’s day.

“That was my favorite part,” Manning said of the exchange with her daughter. “Your kids seeing goodness.”

How it started: Manning’s son Mark’s preschool teacher at the time was a widow who lost her husband to cancer.

Manning wanted to give her something more than a candy bar.

Her son’s teacher was so overwhelmed by the gesture, which inspired Manning to do the same for other widows.

Her goal for 2022 is 150 people.

81 people have been nominated as of Jan. 28.

How to get involved: Nominate Widows and widowers here.

Nominations are anonymous unless otherwise requested, and you have the option to deliver your arrangement to your nominee.

Reach out to [email protected] to volunteer. Details will be provided closer to the event.

Volunteers will help assemble arrangements and other donated gifts Feb. 12-13 and deliver them on Feb. 14, unless a Sunday delivery is requested.

Donations can be anything from funds to physical gifts for nominees.