'Daffodil Days' Cheer Takes over Mendota Heights Office of American Cancer Society

Each spring, the offices of The American Cancer Society in Mendota Heights burst with bright yellow blossoms as they prepare for "Daffodil Days," one of the Society’s most popular and long-lasting fundraising programs.

 This year, Daffodil Days runs from March 7-11.

Businesses, schools, religious organizations, and health care service programs collect daffodil orders December through February. Employees can choose from several different daffodil-themed purchases ranging from potted plants to teddy bears in anticipation of the early spring deliveries.

“I love volunteering for Daffodil Days because it is a breath of spring for Minnesotans. It reminds me of re-birth —like my own recovery from cancer,” said ACS volunteer Bonnie Beaumont.

  “Daffodil Days is very successful here in the Midwest where winters are so long, any sign of spring is exciting to folks,” said Melissa Marquis, ACS community relations manager.

The ACS offers the flowers as a token of gratitude to those who donate and to add cheer to a cancer patient’s day.

Preparations beginning as early as November, first rallying businesses and other organizations, then collecting orders and contacting growers.

 Last year in Minnesota alone more than a million flowers were delivered and a little over a million dollars raised. The Mendota Heights office processed roughly 1,800 orders.

 “This year, we want to hit those marks and beyond,” said Marquis.

One of the most popular donations is “The Gift of Hope,” a vase with ten daffodils delivered anonymously to cancer patients in both hospitals and treatment centers. Other products include potted miniature daffodils and the Daffodil Days stuffed bear.

“People buying daffodils tell me stories of having survived cancer or people they know who have died from it,” said Beaumont. “I love it when people buy our bears for kids in the hospital— it's nice to be reminded that people do care. You can never see this often enough.”

According to the ACS, the money donated from Daffodil Days supports the American Cancer Society’s help line and facilitates research.

 “This is a great way for us to grow and build relationships touching on both our fundraising and mission activity. People involved can participate as both a donor and a volunteer,” said Marquis. “The funds also allow communities to rally together by fighting back, making sure cancer is a top priority with lawmakers.”

 The American Cancer Society is still taking orders for The Gift of Hope, anonymously delivered to a cancer patient. To order, follow this link or call 1-800-227-1234.

For anyone who missed ordering season, Daffodil Days also offers “Skyway Sales” Wednesday, March 9 to Friday, March 11.

Celebrity Day is Thursday, March 10, with local personalities collecting donations.

 Skyway sales will take place in the following locations:

St. Paul—US Bank Center, Town Square, AgriBank, and First National Bank Building

Minneapolis—IDS , City Center, Gaviidae Common, US Bancorp Building, Northstar Center, Campbell Mithun Tower, TCF Tower, US Bank Plaza, Government Center, Fifth Street Towers, LaSalle Plaza