White River FFA member Sofia Gomez preparing flowers to pass out around the school.
Service doesn’t always start with a big gesture, sometimes it begins with a single seed. That’s why the White River FFA Chapter has begun a new service project this year meant to spread kindness and encourage connection around the high school. The first run of the Bloom & Brighten Project happened earlier in October, and was a huge success. Using a Google Form, staff were encouraged to send flowers to other staff members or students to show appreciation, friendship, or encouragement to someone in need.
FFA members in this Washington FFA chapter were tasked with picking the flowers they had grown to ensure quality plants were being passed out, and that deliveries were made on time. Members had to work through tough conditions including Washington rain but over the course of four days, more than 50 flowers were delivered throughout the school. Everywhere you went, flowers were brightening classrooms, hallways and faces alike. Sofia Gomez, White River FFA Chapter Secretary said, “The reactions were heartwarming, seeing so many smiles and genuine excitement reminded us how meaningful small acts of kindness can be.”
Gomez added, “We’re so proud of how our first run went and are already looking forward to continuing the project,” expressing the chapter’s excitement to keep spreading positivity.
Flowers prepared and delivered.
Members say the experience of the project taught them the value of teamwork, dedication, and community spirit. What started as a simple idea has now become an FFA tradition within the chapter. The positivity of bringing people together and brightening their day will make a lasting difference within the school and community. Since the chapter is planning to continue the Bloom & Brighten project during the next flower season, in the meantime they will receive feedback and start to plan which flowers will be planted in preparation for next season’s deliveries.
With every delivery, the Bloom & Brighten Project continues to show how service can truly take root and flourish within a community built on compassion.
