As part of the Society of American Florists’ Petal It Forward program, Alley Blossoms & Blooms at 112 Market St., Bridgeville, is planning to surprise unsuspecting passersby with two free flower bouquets Wednesday, Oct. 15. One bouquet is meant for the recipient to keep, and one is to be given to a friend, family member, colleague or even a stranger. This random acts of kindness effort is designed to help people start their day with more smiles and less stress.

Owner Christi Culp wanted to be a part of the mood-boosting effort and make a difference in the community. “This is a gift of appreciation for the support of our local patrons and a way to pass on the joy they bring to our small business,” said Culp. “Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter and provide a much-needed moment of calm in the hectic pace of life.”

“Petal It Forward is the floral industry’s way of giving back,” said Elizabeth Daly, SAF manager of marketing and communications, citing the effort was purposefully planned for a Wednesday to help overcome the midweek slump.

The research findings on flowers and stress relief, and the need for mood-boosting gestures seem timely. A survey by Wakefield Research in July showed that 68% of Americans experience stress weekly, and 32% report feeling stressed daily. Women are even more affected, with 25% reporting feeling stress multiple times a day.

Culp said the original idea behind Petal It Forward’s “keep one, share one” concept, which started in 2015, came after looking at statistics that showed while 80% of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more (88%) said giving flowers makes them happy. “We want to give people the chance to experience both,” Culp said.