Ashley Manning will not be attending a romantic dinner with her spouse on Valentine’s Day. Instead, she will be handing out gift bags and flower arrangements to widows.
Manning, 39, is a Charlotte, North Carolina florist. She started her “Valentine’s Day WIdow Outreach” last January after asking her Instagram followers to send her the addresses and names of widows so she could deliver flowers.
Although her initial goal was 25 arrangements for widows, in the end she delivered 121.
The project has seen an even greater growth this year. Manning stated to Fox News Digital that she will deliver 400 arrangements Monday with the help 150 volunteers.
Manning said that “This is a beautiful way to celebrate love today to the people of our community,” Fox News Digital reported Manning.
Manning stated that she will need volunteers to prepare the gift bags and arrangements on Saturday and Sunday. She has 100 volunteers who have already signed up for both days.
Manning estimates that she spends $14,000 on flowers. Each arrangement will contain between 30 and 35 stems.
Manning stated that she is receiving financial and volunteer support for the program. Manning also said that local franchises and businesses are helping her.
Manning and her volunteers are supported by small businesses who donate food, drink and other supplies.
Manning stated, “I think it’s very important that people understand that something like that is just as big as one person.” Manning said, “I couldn’t do it by myself. Every $5 donation and every $1,000 donation is significant.”
Manning stated that she donates flowers and arrangements to many causes but it’s the care for widows that is most dear to her heart.
Manning stated that he believed that this is a group that’s often forgotten. Manning spoke to Fox News Digital.
Manning claimed that last year she took her children with her to deliver flowers and a gift basket to an elderly neighbor. Manning claimed she hadn’t met the neighbor but she was aware that she was a widower.
Manning explained to the woman what they were doing when she answered the door.
Manning said that Manning said, “This is so nice, it makes me want tears,” Manning remembered. “And she began to cry, and then my 10-year old son started to cry. We sat there talking to her, and she explained that her husband had been away for so many years. She said that her husband was gone so long that you forget how it felt to get Valentine’s Day gifts.
Manning, her children and her daughter walked back to the car. Manning stated that her 8-year old daughter said she felt “really great” after giving flowers to their neighbor and making her feel so happy.
Manning stated that her daughter asked Manning: “Is it why we do these things?”
Manning stated, “As a parent that is something you can’t help – it’s something they have to feel on there own.” “That was probably the most memorable moment of my life, because the children saw what that meant to her.”
Manning said, “It is our responsibility to teach our children how to be human.” Manning said, “And if all of us were just a bit more selfless and thought more about others, this world would be a whole lot different.”
Manning stated that she will form a nonprofit to help other communities start similar outreach programs as the “Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach” program grows.
Manning stated, “This is something that gave me so much joy last season that if there was anything I could do it would be to grow it.”
Manning’s program is a large part of Manning’s faith, she stated.
Manning stated, “I believe that it’s important to listen to those soft little whispers,” “I am a Christian, and I know they are from the Holy Spirit. This is a sign from the Lord that I’m doing the right thing.