Random Acts of Flowers Tampa Bay needs vases. The Dunedin-based nonprofit delivers recycled bouquets to hundreds of patients in area healthcare facilities each week, and its supply runs thin without a steady stream of community donations.
Residents can drop off vases of any shape or size at 648 Douglas Ave., a small pink house two blocks south of Main Street in downtown Dunedin. Collection boxes on the front porch and loading dock accept donations around the clock, even when the office is closed.
A single vase paired with a $10 monetary donation covers the cost of one delivery, according to the organization's donation page. Many vases are returned after delivery, but the organization says it always needs more to keep up with demand.
The Tampa Bay chapter has logged more than 132,000 deliveries and recycled more than 155,000 vases since it was established in 2013 as an affiliate of the national Random Acts of Flowers organization. Founder Larsen Jay started the national group in 2008 after a near-fatal accident and hospitalization in 2007 inspired him to repurpose his own flower arrangements for fellow patients.
A 2016 University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine study found that 95% of RAF delivery recipients reported improved emotional wellness. Eleven percent said RAF volunteers were their only visitors during their stay.
The organization also accepts floral donations from grocery stores, florists and funeral homes, as well as monetary contributions through its website. Groups or individuals who want to organize their own collection drives can request signage and tools from RAF Tampa Bay.
Residents can reach the nonprofit at (727) 754-7974 or [email protected].
How to help
- Drop off vases: 648 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698 (anytime, front porch or loading dock)
- Donate online: raftampabay.org
- Contact: (727) 754-7974 or [email protected]
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