Frequently Asked Questions

Who We Are

What is Random Acts of Flowers?

We improve the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering re-purposed flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness. We gather flowers from the floral industry, as well as local companies, florists, grocery stores, funeral homes, and events like weddings and memorial services. Our volunteers turn these flowers into beautiful bouquets and deliver them to those facing injury, illness, and the aging process every week in our community.

Random Acts of Flowers serves Knoxville, Tampa Bay, and Indianapolis and is always on the lookout for new communities for delivering hope.

If you can’t find the answer to your question, email us. We’re always ready to assist you.

General FAQs

What's your nonprofit status?

Random Acts of Flowers Asheville is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible according to IRS regulations. Consult your tax professional for further information.

Do you charge for your services?

No. We never charge for our charitable services. Random Acts of Flowers delivers to individuals in healthcare facilities free of charge, as a gift from the community to the individual.

If you don’t charge for the service, how are your operations funded?

We are 100% privately funded. We do not accept any public funding, but rather rely on donations from generous donors in the community, corporate sponsorships, grants/foundation support, and through special event fundraisers.

How do you select who receives the flowers?

We don’t. By design, Random Acts of Flowers relies on nurses and caregivers in healthcare facilities to determine patients who are in need of extra cheer.

I know someone in a healthcare facility, can I send flowers through RAF?

Unfortunately, no. We do not individualize our charitable services, but rather work with healthcare professionals to determine the floral recipients who might most need some extra hope and encouragement. We often deliver to whole facilities or hospital wings/departments.

Financial Support FAQs

How can I donate?

There are a variety of ways to support Random Acts of Flowers. You can make a financial donation, donate materials like flowers or vases or even contact us about becoming a corporate donor. You can also support us by making us your charity of choice at Amazon Smile and purchasing one of the products whose sales benefit us, once this becomes available.

Where and how is my financial donation used?

All financial donations are used to support operations fulfilling our charitable mission. For more information, visit the About Us page.

Volunteering FAQs

How do volunteers further our mission?

Without the dedication of our hundreds of volunteers, Random Acts of Flowers would not be able to provide beautiful bouquets and moments of kindness throughout our community. Volunteers re-purpose donated flowers from special events, memorial services, grocery stores, and wholesalers to turn what would otherwise be waste into something fresh and meaningful! When you volunteer with us, expect to have fun, meet new people, be creative, and bring smiles to our community!

How do I become a volunteer?

We are committed to making the volunteer registration process quick and easy! Training is provided on site, and there is an array of volunteer opportunities perfect for individuals, groups, and families! Please visit our Volunteer Page for more information

Can children volunteer?

Yes. Most volunteer opportunities are best suited for children 12 and older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Every child must have a signed Youth Waiver before volunteering. Visit our Volunteer Page for more information.

Can groups volunteer?

Groups are encouraged and welcomed. Learn more on our Groups page, once available.

What opportunities are available to volunteers?

Picking up donated flowers and vases
Sorting, composting, and organizing donated flowers
Arranging fresh bouquets
Delivering bouquets throughout our community
Organizing the workshop
Lending a hand at special events

Is there training or orientation?

Yes. We ask that anyone interested in volunteering attend an orientation. During orientation, new volunteers will meet our team, learn about volunteer opportunities supporting our mission, and have hands-on training working with the flowers. Sign-up on our Volunteer Page.

What days can I volunteer?

Our normal volunteer schedule is Monday through Thursday, with most shifts during daytime hours. Evening and weekend shifts are scheduled occasionally.

I'd like to volunteer but I am not available during the scheduled shifts. Can I still be involved?

Absolutely! We frequently participate in special events (bridal shows, volunteer fairs, etc.) and also hold fundraisers that require volunteer assistance. Sign up to become a volunteer and you’ll see any and all upcoming opportunities.

I am not able to give my time right now, are there other ways to donate?

All contributions to Random Acts of Flowers are invaluable. To make a financial donation, please click here. We also always need vases, feel free to bring any extras to our workshop or one of our area drop-off locations, or even hold a vase drive.

Are there any physical requirements?

Most volunteers prefer to work while standing, but for those who do not want or are unable to, stools and fatigue mats are available for use in our workshop. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Is there a dress code for volunteering?

Many volunteer opportunities are in a warehouse-type setting, and we recommend comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. We will provide gloves and aprons. Volunteers making floral deliveries are asked to dress business casual and wear identification provided by Random Acts of Flowers

Do you provide community service opportunities?

We are proud to provide opportunities for students to receive community service credit in order to achieve academic success and give back to the community. Contact us for more information.

Do I need to bring anything?

Just your enthusiasm and smiling face! Our workshops will have all of the tools you need. Join us today and get ready to have a great time bringing encouragement and beauty to others.

Floral Donation FAQs

What does Random Acts of Flowers do with my flowers?

We are proud and honored to re-purpose flowers and deliver them to people in area healthcare facilities. Once the flowers are brought back to our workshops, volunteers disassemble arrangements, give all flowers a trim and fresh water. A second group of volunteers use the flowers to create new bouquets, which are then hand-delivered to a person in a healthcare facility by a third volunteer group. This whole process takes only 2 days!

How does the process work?

Floral donations can be dropped off at our facilities, Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm.

Pick-Up Radius: We are generally able to pick up floral donations within a 30-minute radius of our facilities. Please contact us directly to make arrangements.

Weekend Pick-ups: If a weekend pick-up is required, a volunteer may be available. Typically we pick up from either the venue or the florist on Monday morning.

Vases: We would love to receive the vases and containers from your event, but if they need to be returned, we can drop off floral buckets before the event to make flower collection easier.

How much notice do you need?

For wedding ceremonies and other community events, if you can coordinate your donation with us at least two weeks before an event this would be helpful for planning and scheduling purposes. For memorials and celebration of life ceremonies, you can contact us at anytime leading up to or just after the event.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Following the event, we will issue a donation acknowledgement letter that will provide the date of donation and our tax ID number for your records. We cannot place a value on the in-kind donation, so please contact your tax preparer for assistance.

Vase Donation FAQs

Why does RAF need vases?

Vases are the vessels of our mission. Each donated vase is filled with beautiful, re-purposed flowers and hand-delivered to a person in need of a moment of joy and compassion.

How many vases does RAF need?

RAF currently delivers bouquets to thousands of people each month. While we do collect “returned” vases from recipient partners, the vases are primarily a gift to the recipient to keep. In short, we always need vases!

Do the vases have to be a certain type, size, color, etc.?

We can accept any glass, ceramic, plastic, etc. vase or container that holds fresh-cut flowers and water (we cannot use containers with drainage, candleholders, bowls, or baskets). Ideal vases are 6”-9” tall with a 3.5” opening. We also take mugs!

How do vases get to RAF?

You may drop vases off at our workshop, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. RAF also partners with area businesses who collect smaller quantities of vases. Business contact information and hours of collection are listed on the vase donation page. We are always looking for new collection locations, too!

If you have more than 50 vases, RAF may be able to pick them up. Contact your local site directly for more information.

Do the vases need to be washed?

Yes, please!

What is a Vase Drive?

You’ve probably heard of a “canned food drive,” but have you heard of a Vase Drive? Vase drives are a fun way for businesses or groups to volunteer and give back to the community, helping stock RAF’s shelves with vases for bouquet deliveries. Successful vase drives include an outreach notification or promotional flyer (RAF can provide templates), a centralized drop-off location with RAF vase drive signage, and flyers that can be posted on community boards. Visit our Vase Donation page for more details!

Do you collect anything besides vases, such as ribbons, marbles, floral foam, etc.?

We like to let beautiful flowers speak for themselves and have limited storage space in our workshop. However, we accept floral foam, marbles, as well as other unique floral embellishment items, such as floral picks with decorations. Please note that we do not use faux flowers.

Are vase donations tax deductible?

When requested, RAF will provide a donation receipt with our tax ID number and date of donation for your records.

Media & Speaking Engagements

How do members of the media get information or set up interviews?

If you’re a member of the media, and you would like more information about us, please contact us directly via phone or email.

Can I schedule someone to speak at my event?

Local staff members are available to speak at events of all types and sizes, from church functions to club meetings. To arrange for a visit, please contact us directly via phone or email.