Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful Launches New Initiative, Spreads Hope Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In Rhode Island, Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful (KBVB) and the nine municipalities it represents came up with a way recently to raise the spirits of residents receiving meals or other food donations. Now, the deliveries include a flower or decoration to brighten up a recipient’s day, thanks to the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation.

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation recently made a generous donation of artificial flowers and decorations to KBVB. Initially, 10 schools and community groups were going to use the flowers to make displays for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Those plans changed, however, when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

KBVB Director Donna Kaehler and municipal officials decided to include the decorations with meals and food packages distributed throughout the Blackstone Valley to bring a little hope and happiness during this difficult time. More than six pallets of flowers have been delivered to residents in those nine cities and towns.

Officials in Woonsocket, Burrillville, and Glocester are using the flowers with their Meals on Wheels programs. In Lincoln, Cumberland, Smithfield, and Pawtucket, the blooms are being used for programs at senior centers, and in North Smithfield and Central Falls, the flowers are an added touch for the food pantry programs.

“Serving over 3,400 meals in their communities weekly, our Blackstone Valley communities are supplying such an important service,” said KBVB in the press release. “A special thank you goes out to all involved running these needed food programs.”