In a world where small gestures often go unnoticed, one nonprofit is proving that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting impact. Hope Blooms, a community-driven organization founded by Kelly Krenzel, repurposes donated flowers into individual bedside bouquets, delivering them to those in need with one simple but profound message: You matter.
From its inception, Hope Blooms has been about more than just flowers. The organization is a testament to the power of human connection, sustainability, and the importance of making people feel seen and valued.
A Seed Planted in Childhood
For Kelly, the mission of Hope Blooms is deeply personal. She spent her childhood summers in Linton, North Dakota, with her grandmother Frida, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for kindness, gardening, and caring for others. These values carried over into Kelly’s professional life, where she worked in hospice care, sharing stories of patients and witnessing firsthand how the smallest comforts could make the biggest difference.
When she became a mother in 2015, she was inspired to take action and contribute in a way that aligned with her love for community, sustainability, and human connection. With a heart full of purpose and a passion for upcycling, Hope Blooms was born.
Upcycling for a Cause
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Hope Blooms. The organization collects flowers that would otherwise be discarded—from grocery stores, funeral homes, event planners, and florists—and gives them new life. Instead of ending up in landfills, these flowers are lovingly rearranged into bedside bouquets and hand-delivered to individuals facing isolation, illness, or hardship.
But flowers aren’t the only thing getting a second chance. Hope Blooms embraces upcycling at every level:
- Jars are reused—mason jars and recycled food jars serve as vases.
- Delivery boxes are repurposed—produce boxes from local grocers find a new purpose.
- Newspapers are given a second life—used to safely package delicate bouquets.
One dedicated volunteer even collects 800 produce boxes each year, ensuring that as many materials as possible are given a second chance. This approach is more than just an environmental effort—it’s a reminder that just because something (or someone) is overlooked doesn’t mean it’s without value.
The Magic of a Simple Gesture
What sets Hope Blooms apart is the way it turns flowers into moments of human connection. It’s about the visit, the conversation, the hug, and the message of care. Volunteers deliver flowers with an open heart, listening to stories, offering companionship, and making sure each recipient knows they are seen and valued.
Kelly describes these interactions as transformative. “It’s not about the flowers, but the feeling they bring,” she explains. Whether it’s a person in hospice care, a woman in a shelter, or a senior who hasn’t had a visitor in weeks, that small bouquet carries an immeasurable weight of kindness.
A Community of Joy Makers
Hope Blooms thrives because of its volunteers—fondly called Joy Makers—who come together to create, deliver, and spread kindness. With thousands of volunteers and a growing team, the nonprofit has flourished, proving that a community united by compassion can make an extraordinary difference.
From families to corporate teams, people who participate in Hope Blooms’ bouquet-making sessions often walk away with something unexpected: a sense of fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for human connection. “We’ve had people tell us they’ve learned more about their coworkers in two hours of making bouquets than in years of working together,” says Kelly.
The Happiest Hour at WellTold
As Hope Blooms continues to expand its impact, it is teaming up with WellTold: The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, where Kelly and her team will host the Happiest Hour. This interactive session will invite conference attendees to dismantle floral arrangements used throughout the event and repurpose them into bouquets for community members in need.
This hands-on activity will not only serve as a creative and meaningful conclusion to the day but also give participants a tangible way to spread joy beyond the conference. Flowers that brightened the event will go on to brighten lives, continuing the cycle of care and compassion that Hope Blooms embodies.
How You Can Help
Hope Blooms offers multiple ways for individuals and businesses to get involved:
- Volunteer: Join a bouquet-making session and experience the joy of giving firsthand.
- Donate Flowers: If you have flowers from an event, wedding, or memorial service, consider giving them a second life.
- Support the Mission: Financial contributions help sustain the organization’s efforts and reach more people.
- Spread the Word: Follow Hope Blooms on social media, share their mission, and encourage others to get involved.
To learn more or to become a Joy Maker, visit hopeblooms.org.
Want to connect with nonprofit storytellers, marketers, and mission-driven organizations? Don’t miss WellTold: The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference on April 24th in Fargo or virtually. Use code PODCAST at checkout for an exclusive discount.
🎟️ Register here: welltoldconference.com
The Lasting Impact of Small Moments
In a world that often values grand gestures, Hope Blooms reminds us that it’s the small, intentional acts of kindness that truly make a difference. Whether it’s a flower, a visit, or a heartfelt conversation, these moments ripple outward, creating waves of joy and connection.
Because at the end of the day, the message is simple but powerful: You matter.
