the valley in support for youths, research
Blanket
It may be that a groundhog in Pennsylvania is telling us we're due for six more weeks of winter, but a bouquet of daffodils is always a sure sign of spring. Every year during March, homes, offices, schools and churches across the country are bedecked with bright yellow daffodils tucked in cobalt blue glass vases.
Daffodil Days, an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is an easy and beautiful way to support cancer research, education and advocacy services for cancer patients.
Part of your donation will go toward local community service programs and part will be sent to nationwide programs and research, eventually coming back to the Flathead full circle in the way of newly discovered cancer treatments and breakthroughs.
Greg Scarff, local Daffodil Days chair, says volunteers are needed now to distribute order pamphlets. Businesses also can request a corporate order form from him to consolidate employee orders on a single sheet. Case and half-case orders are welcome. Glacier Bank and the Inter Lake are a couple of local businesses that decorate their domains by contributing every year to Daffodil Days.
"It's fun to walk into a business and see the daffodils everywhere," Scarff says. "They're one of the first flowers of spring and it gives us hope in the fight against cancer."
Individual orders are encouraged and also will be delivered or simple to pick up. "Just swing by Scarff Auto on the main delivery day, Monday, March 27. We're right on Main Street, so it's that easy," Scarff adds.
To find out how to brighten your place, or someone else's day with a sunny bouquet, contact Scarff at Scarff Auto Center, 1212 South Main St., at 755-7777, or gregscarff@scarffauto.com. Orders must be in by Feb. 24.
Project Linus has been keeping the children of the Flathead covered in handmade blankets since 2002. At the national level, the nonprofit organization has been in the business of blankets for seven years; its mission to provide love, and a sense of security and comfort to children who are seriously ill or traumatized. Nationwide, there are more than 100 chapters.
Project Linus blankets can be found anywhere in America where disaster has struck or where children are sick, lonely or afraid - in hospitals and family services, and in cancer centers and shelters. The organization was founded by Karen Loucks-Baker in 1995 after reading a true story about a little girl named Laura who was diagnosed with leukemia. Through two years of chemotherapy, the 3-year-old was inseparable from her "blankie."
Laurale Scott has led the local chapter since its inception. Currently, 30 individuals chip in their creative talents to make blankets. On Jan. 9, the group reached a milestone when it donated its 1,500th blanket.
Each year Project Linus hosts an open house and invites anyone interested to attend. This year's event will be on Saturday, Feb. 18. To find out more, stop by the Center of Real Estate at U.S. 93 and U.S. 2 in Kalispell between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Project Linus also accepts donations of new, handmade blankets for babies, children and teens. Contact Scott at 854-9999 or e-mail laurales@centurytel.net. The national Web site is www.projectlinus.org.