Chattanooga, TN -(WDEF) Patients at Erlanger received more than medical care this week—they got a surprise visit, a warm smile, and a fresh bouquet of flowers, thanks to volunteers with Random Acts of Flowers.
The nonprofit, which has been delivering joy through floral arrangements for 14 years in Knoxville, is now expanding into Chattanooga. Volunteers were seen going door-to-door in the hospital, delivering more than 200 bouquets made from donated flowers.
Pat Buckley, founder of the Chattanooga chapter, says the idea came from a deeply personal place.
“My daughter volunteered in Knoxville,” Buckley shared. “I was already growing and sharing flowers in a small way, and when she told me about this program, I knew we had to bring it here. Now we’re an affiliate, and people are loving it.”
Each bouquet is made entirely from donated flowers, arranged by volunteers, and hand-delivered to patients throughout the hospital.
“All the flowers you see here today were donated by florists,” Buckley added. “We had a team of volunteers turn them into 200 beautiful arrangements. When we come to the hospital, we try to reach every patient. That’s the mission—no one gets left out.”
Deborah Spielman, CEO of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, said the visit aligns perfectly with the hospital’s approach to care.
“We want to take care of their heart so they can heal faster,” Spielman said. “Healthcare is about more than just the body—and partners like Random Acts of Flowers help us bring that full-circle care.”
The bouquets may be small, but the impact is lasting—bringing comfort, connection, and a reminder that kindness is always in season.
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