After nearly four decades, the American Cancer Society is holding a popular yearly fundraiser for the last time.
"This year marks the last year of the Daffodil Days program. American Cancer Society volunteer and staff leadership made a thoughtful decision to end Daffodil Days so the organization can focus on programs that can be done consistently across the country. This allows the society to put more resources into events like Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - events that can be done nationwide, not just in a few select pockets, and reach many more people and raise more money to help finish the fight against cancer," Leslie Wagner, income development representative for the East Central Division of the American Cancer Society, said in an email Monday.
Daffodil Days is a chance to share hope with those who suffer from cancer and raise funds toward awareness and research.
Daffodil Days is a three-month effort, with orders being taken in January, February and March.
According to the national website www.cancer.org, the Daffodil Days program has raised more than $240 million for the American Cancer Society in the last 14 years.
This year, the fundraiser's goal in Schuylkill County is to raise $70,000, about the same as last year.
In all, 29,000 flowers were sold last year, and $68,455 was raised to combat cancer, Wagner said.
Schuylkill County surgeon Dr. Marylou Rainone is the chairwoman for the 40th annual American Cancer Society Daffodil Days in the county.
"I'm honored to be the chair of this year's American Cancer Society Daffodil Days campaign. Our goal of raising $70,000 this year will help bring us closer to the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer as a major health problem," Rainone said in a Jan. 14 press release.
Orders for the flower can be placed by calling the county office at 570-874-1413. Deadline to place an order is Feb. 20 and delivery is March 19. The flowers will also be available for purchase at several sites in the county March 19 through 24.
Locally, the program has been in existence for almost 25 years, Wagner said.
"The society thanks the loyal Schuylkill County volunteers, businesses and donors who have made a big difference in the fight against cancer through this program," Wagner said.