Random Acts of Flowers Indianapolis reached a major milestone this week, delivering its 175,000th bouquet to a patient at Eskenazi Health on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The achievement comes exactly ten years after the organization’s first hospital delivery, which also took place at Eskenazi.
Origins rooted in personal loss
Executive director Kelly McBride explained that the idea began in 2015 when David Evans lost his wife unexpectedly. After the funeral, flowers filled the Evans home but were quickly taken by the late wife’s sorority sisters, who delivered them to residents of senior‑living communities. Recognizing the comfort the flowers provided, Evans and his friend Nancy Elder invited the founder of the Knoxville chapter to help launch an Indianapolis location.
Within 45 minutes, the two raised $9,000 to start the local chapter, and the first delivery was made on Oct. 13, 2016, at Eskenazi Health.
How the nonprofit operates
Random Acts of Flowers employs only three paid staff members. The bulk of the work is performed by volunteers who collect donated flowers from grocery stores and wholesale markets. One volunteer group trims the stems and removes excess foliage; the next day another group assembles the fresh cut flowers into bouquets ready for delivery.
Deliveries follow a schedule that covers almost every major hospital in Indianapolis. Nurses guide volunteers to the appropriate floors and rooms, and the organization emphasizes that each drop‑off is “completely random,” offering surprise moments of joy to patients.
Impact on patients
McBride cited research indicating that flowers in a hospital room can aid healing. She shared a recent call from a recipient who said the bouquet “just about lifted me out of my chair,” underscoring the emotional boost that a simple arrangement can provide.
Volunteer needs and ways to help
The nonprofit’s biggest current need is volunteer drivers. Volunteers can use the organization’s vans or their own vehicles to pick up and deliver flowers. Those interested can sign up on the Random Acts of Flowers volunteer page.
Donated vases may be dropped off Monday through Thursday during regular business hours, and a secure deck box is available for after‑hours contributions. To arrange a pickup of leftover wedding or event flowers, callers can reach the organization at (317) 282‑0144. Cash donations are also welcomed.
Looking ahead
McBride believes the group is “one of the best kept secrets in Marion County,” and she is working to raise its profile so more residents can participate. With a decade of service behind it and a clear need for more drivers and donors, Random Acts of Flowers Indianapolis aims to keep brightening hospital rooms for years to come.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
