Local Florist 'Petals It Forward' With Free Flowers In Bayville

BAYVILLE, NJ — A local florist is paying it forward - or rather, "petal-ing" it forward.

A Blossom Shop Florist in Bayville is one of the more than 500 nationwide participating in the Society of American Florist's "Petal it Forward" initiative on Wednesday. The program gives away free flowers on Oct. 19 to spread happiness.

This particular store has been participating for about five years, owner Stacey Cofka told Patch. Its purpose is to "promote good will for the community," she said.

A Blossom Shop is doing it slightly differently, though. They're passing on the kindness by asking for a donation of a non-perishable food item in exchange for a free cut flower bouquet. All items will be donated to a local food bank, Cofka said.

The store ends up filling one of their delivery vans with food for the pantry, she said.

Since the plastic bag ban, food pantries have been hurting for bags needed to distribute food, Cofka said. So this year, the shop is also asking people to donate extra reusable bags in exchange for a bouquet.

"We're encouraging people to give back to the community," Cofka said.

Head to 66 Atlantic City Blvd. in Bayville on Wednesday and help Petal it Forward. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit ablossomshop.com.