Ashley Manning's Valentine's Day Widow Outreach served 121 people in 2021. Photo courtesy Ashley Manning
Charlotte widows will be getting a flower delivery this Valentine’s Day.
Driving the news: Ashley Manning, who owns Pretty Things by A.E. Manning, organized a Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach to show neighbors love around a difficult holiday.
Last year, they were able to provide 121 arrangements, including to Manning’s 93-year-old neighbor, who told Manning, “when you’ve lost your husband so long ago, you forget that it even felt like this.”
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Manning’s daughter, Mia asked her if that moment with their neighbor was why she does these things, telling her mother how good it made her feel to make someone’s day.
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“That was my favorite part,” Manning said of the exchange with her daughter. “Your kids seeing goodness.”
How it started: Manning’s son Mark’s preschool teacher at the time was a widow who lost her husband to cancer.
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Manning wanted to give her something more than a candy bar.
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Her son’s teacher was so overwhelmed by the gesture, which inspired Manning to do the same for other widows.
Her goal for 2022 is 150 people.
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81 people have been nominated as of Jan. 28.
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Nominations are anonymous unless otherwise requested, and you have the option to deliver your arrangement to your nominee.
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Reach out to [email protected] to volunteer. Details will be provided closer to the event.
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Volunteers will help assemble arrangements and other donated gifts Feb. 12-13 and deliver them on Feb. 14, unless a Sunday delivery is requested.
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Donations can be anything from funds to physical gifts for nominees.
Photo courtesy Ashley Manning
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"It's good. I promise." - Emma
"It's good. I promise." - Emma