Make Someone Smile Week

I didn't even know it existed....

More than 500 Tucsonans got a Sunday morning delivery from local florists during a yearly program that aims to cheer up those who need it most.

All 409 residents of the Tucson House Apartments and the 130 residents of the Armory Park Apartments got small bouquets of flowers arranged by local florists as part of Teleflora's annual Make Someone Smile Week. Tenants at both sites acknowledged that they don't get many visitors, so the knock on the door they received Sunday was a bright boost...

The florists had help from residents who walked with them to greet others and ensure delivery. One of the volunteers at Tucson House, Darcie Steele, said she enjoyed seeing the smiles from many of the residents and that she wants to help out at next year's event, no matter where it will be. She especially remembered the vivid expression of a woman with Alzheimer's disease who couldn't stop smiling.

"I didn't realize I was going to have this type of reaction," said Steele, 50, while holding back tears.

Patricia Miller, 76, the president of the Tucson House resident council, echoed a lot of the comments by residents who shook off the grogginess of the morning when they were handed their flowers.

"This is the nicest thing that's happened to us in the eight years I've been here," she said. Arizona Daily Star