‘Bless them’: Charlotte mom surprises 400 widows this Valentine’s Day with flowers, other gifts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Valentine’s Day is a special time to tell the people around you that you love them. It can also be a challenging time for those who suffered loss.

A local woman is now on a mission to spread the love. Hundreds of volunteers picked up bouquets Monday to deliver to 400 windows across the area, all nominated by someone they know.

“They’re all hurting today and we just want to make sure they’re not forgotten,” Ashley Manning said.

Manning is a mother of four and a florist herself. She said she got the idea last year, and that it has only grown thanks to social media and word of mouth.

“I want to bless them with flowers and gifts and whatever we can do,” she said.

Not only do volunteers arrange these flowers, but they also collect and organize other items like wine and chocolates, donated from local businesses.

“We lost my father last year and it’s just her and I, so I just wanted to do something for her to let her know, because it’s been a rough year. The first year,” said Christie Starnes, who nominated her mom.

Starnes requested to deliver the gifts herself, and Channel 9 was there when her eyes lit up the moment she saw the bouquet.

“Oh my gosh. It’s gonna be a special day for both of us,” Starnes said.

Manning and many of the volunteers said they get tremendous joy from helping others. She’s also leading by example, even recruiting her young kids to help.

“The act of giving and working for somebody else is something you can’t teach them any other way than by doing it,” she said.

Manning said she plans to turn the Valentines Day widow project into a nonprofit organization, so she can impact even more people.

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