Caring Rose Week | Video

Retha Colclasure | 11/13/2012

The holidays are a time to be thankful and giving. But for some, the idea of putting a big holiday meal on the table is daunting. Food banks are constantly looking for donations. However, there is one way to help out and get something for your own table as well.

Dutch Mill Florist is one of about a half-dozen florists in Bismarck and Mandan participating in Caring Rose Week. It`s a national week that brings in more than 32 tons of food donations for local food pantries.

Dutch Mill Florist has a deal that`s as sweet as these roses smell.

"The slogan is 2+10=12 so you bring in two canned items or dried goods and $10 and you get a dozen roses," said florist Amber Fortney.

A dozen roses are usually nearly $60 at the shop. But Caring Rose Week has customers like Paulette Ressler, or, more accurately, her husband coming back.

"I`m glad we can donate. Otherwise I wouldn`t get any roses," she said.

Her birthday always falls during Caring Rose Week, so she says it`s the perfect way to get her husband to buy her the roses that she loves to display in her home.

"Sometimes in the kitchen. A certain place in the living room where I can see them from all directions. And just smelling them."

At its heart, Caring Rose Week is a food drive...that helps bring in more than 32 tons of food to pantries across the country.

"All of the items get donated. It comes at a perfect time. Food pantries, with Thanksgiving coming up, helps out so it really is a beneficial thing," Fortney said.

Last year, the store collected several boxes full of food to donate, stocking the shelves of food pantries and bringing a smile to the face of those taking roses home to display.

Paulette is turning 68 today, so be sure to wish her a happy birthday. Caring Rose Week lasts through Saturday.

Visit www.caringrose.org to find all participating florists.

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