Hearts in Bloom Buffalo Expands Mission: Delivering Solace and Support to Grieving Hearts
- tonawandanewsoutle
- Aug 12, 2025
- 3 min read
BUFFALO, NY – What began as a heartfelt initiative to comfort widows and widowers on Valentine's Day has blossomed into a broader mission of solace. Catherine Szabad, through her "Hearts in Bloom Buffalo" program, is not only bringing unexpected joy to those grieving a spouse but is now extending her compassionate reach to mothers who have lost a child, ensuring no one feels forgotten on days dedicated to love and family.
For many, Valentine's Day is a vibrant celebration of love and companionship. However, for widows and widowers across Western New York, it can be a stark, painful reminder of profound loss. Recognizing this emotional challenge, Western New York resident Catherine Szabad launched "Hearts in Bloom Buffalo" in 2024, inspired by a similar program she discovered on social media.
"Valentine's Day is kind of a day set aside for relationships, couples," Szabad shared. "And if you don't have that anymore, I'm sure the day is a lot different." Her program aims to combat the isolation many face, ensuring those who have lost a spouse feel remembered and cherished, not forgotten.
This past Valentine's Day, volunteers hand-delivered gift bags brimming with beautiful flower arrangements – some even crafted by Szabad herself, who took a college course to perfect her skills – along with candy, charcuterie boards, and heartfelt cards penned by local elementary school children.
The impact on recipients is palpable. For many, the unexpected gesture brought tears, a mix of sadness for what was lost and gratitude for the unexpected kindness. One recipient, overwhelmed with emotion, noted how her late spouse "always would do the flowers," making the delivery particularly poignant. Another shared, "It's nice to know someone acknowledges how you feel. It does make you feel good that people think about John and care."
Initially focusing on the Tonawanda and North Tonawanda areas, Hearts in Bloom Buffalo is now expanding its deliveries across Western New York. Szabad announced a significant new initiative: "A Mother’s Love," which will extend similar thoughtful gestures and support to mothers who have lost a child, acknowledging their unique grief on specific days throughout the year.
Hearts in Bloom Buffalo operates entirely on the generosity of the community, relying on donations from individuals and local businesses and the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers. These individuals not only assemble the gift bags and write cards but also undertake the crucial task of delivering these tokens of affection.
"I've been looking at these names for over a month, and now I'm meeting the person," Szabad said, visibly moved by the connections made. The program aims to create a vital sense of community, serving as a potent reminder that even in grief, individuals are not alone and that their feelings are acknowledged.
To support both the ongoing "Hearts in Bloom Buffalo" project and the new "A Mother’s Love" initiative, the organization is actively hosting fundraisers. Looking ahead, Catherine Szabad and her team are already preparing for next Valentine's Day, with an ambitious goal to deliver at least 100 bouquets. Their dedication ensures that the message "We care. We love you, and you aren't forgotten" continues to resonate throughout the community, offering a beacon of light on challenging days.
Hearts in Bloom Buffalo welcomes community support through donations, partnerships, and volunteers to help assemble gifts, write cards, and deliver items. For more information on how to contribute or get involved with either program, please reach out to Catherine Szabad at Flowers@heartsinbloom.org.
Our mission is to bring comfort through flowers! Visit the link in our bio to explore the new site - we’re so excited to share this next chapter with you! Delivering fresh flowers/gifts to widows on Valentine's Day
Hearts in Bloom Buffalo
A Mother's Love - Honoring mothers who have experienced the loss of a child
Founder and Organizer: Catherine Szabad
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