Dumpster filled with flowers starts initiative bringing joy to nursing home residents
As they make their rounds, the smiles and tears of gratitude from the residents speak volumes.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - After seeing dozens of flowers in a dumpster outside of a wholesale florist shop, Trevor Phillips, the founder of Flower the People, started a mission to rescue discarded flowers and bring them to those in need, particularly residents of nursing homes.
At least once a week, Trevor Phillips makes a stop at Flowers of Nashville, where he loads up his car with flowers that would otherwise be destined for the dumpster.
“We usually get two carts like this with the flowers,” Phillips explains, gesturing towards the overflowing carts. “Usually, my car is to capacity with flowers.”
The flowers, rejected by flower shops and wholesale florists, find a new home in a cooler at Old School Farms, where Trevor works. Then, on Saturdays, Trevor and his team spring into action. They pick up the flowers from the farm and transport them to nursing homes across Nashville. He visits 12 facilities
At each nursing home, Trevor and his team set out 120 cups for the patients, fill them with water, and then create bouquets. As they make their rounds, the smiles and tears of gratitude from the residents speak volumes.
“They’re shocked. A lot of tears,” says Trevor. “For the little work I do, I would say it’s more than worth it.”
Trevor is passionate about his cause and welcomes others to join him in spreading joy.
If you would like to volunteer, you can reach out to his Facebook page called ‘Flower the People’.
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