Give the gift of hope

Junior Girl Scout Troop No. 1994

Buy a daffodil and help find the cure for cancer.

The American Cancer Society is hosting its 19th annual Daffodil Days and is asking individuals, businesses, corporations and groups to give the gift of hope to those stricken with cancer by purchasing bouquets of golden daffodils. The flowers are symbols that let everyone know there’s warmth, light and hope.

To do their part in the battle, T.O.’s Madrona Elementary School Junior Girl Scout Troop 1994 hand-painted cobalt blue vases that will hold the gifts of hope when bouquet orders are filled the week of March 15. Each vase was given a personal touch as the children transformed the blue vases into signed works of art.

Daffodil Days is one of the largest fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. Last year in Ventura County, Daffodil Days raised more than $238,271 for local patient services, cancer research and public education. Bright yellow daffodils were chosen as the symbol of this gigantic fundraising effort because they are the first flower of spring. The program helps fund local patient services, research and educational programs and allows the American Cancer Society to deliver bouquets of daffodils anonymously to cancer patients in Ventura County

All funds raised in Ventura County benefit Ventura County residents in one form or another through the American Cancer Society’s many local programs and cancer research. Programs include transportation to and from medical treatments, a free wig bank, prosthesis fittings and "Look Good, Feel Better" classes that teach women how to apply make-up, wigs and turbans to help them adjust to the effects of cancer treatment.

The dollars go to underwrite numerous educational programs for local corporations, schools and other organizations, and national programs accessible via an information hotline at (800) ACS-2345 or online at www.cancer.org. Daffodil Days Gift of Hope donations will be accepted through March 5.