SCRANTON, Pa. — A business in Lackawanna County is working hard to brighten people's days.
Aimee Walker stood on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton with bouquets in hand and a sign at her feet. Walker is the owner of Your Beautiful Flowers in Scranton, aiming to Petal It Forward, a national initiative by the Society of American Florists encouraging florists to pass out bouquets for free.
"They were doing studies that showed how the flowers bring joy to people and just random acts of kindness. They like flowers just because, not just on birthdays or holidays," Walker said.
Walker made about 250 small bouquets, one to give to people passing by and the other for them to share with someone else.
Folks who stopped to take a bouquet were surprised by the random act of kindness.
"It was actually kind of awesome because you don't see this too much in the world today. So, you know, she passed it on to me, and I'm going to pass it on to somebody else," Keith Williams said.
Walker believes that you never know what people may be going through, and it only takes a little effort to change the course of someone's day.
"It makes my heart feel like it's healed a little bit," said Aviyah Menachem, a bouquet recipient. "It's very comforting and very therapeutic for me."
Hearing all the kind words from people and seeing all the smiles means this initiative to pay it forward was worth it.
"I got into the florist industry because I want to spread happiness. And I love it, and I want other people to enjoy that feeling," Walker added.
Walker hopes that her gesture of kindness encourages others to do the same.
Hundreds of florists across the country are taking part in this effort.