Hearts in Bloom: A Compassionate Initiative for Grieving Spouses on Valentine's Day

Catherine Szabad, founder of Hearts in Bloom, understands the profound impact of loss, particularly during holidays like Valentine's Day. After losing her child, Szabad felt an overwhelming silence and isolation, prompting her to create a space for recognizing the grief of others. Hearts in Bloom, based in Buffalo, New York, aims to alleviate some of that isolation by delivering free bouquets and gifts to widows and widowers on Valentine's Day.

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

In its second year, Hearts in Bloom saw significant growth, with over 300 volunteers participating in the initiative. This increase allowed the organization to triple the number of recipients, delivering 135 gift baskets and bouquets in 2025. Volunteer Morgan Cabana expressed the fulfillment she finds in participating, stating, “There’s a sense of community and being able to bring a smile to those where this day may not be just passing by like the rest of us.”

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

The initiative directly impacts individuals like Rita Costantino, who lost her husband of 51 years. For Costantino, Valentine's Day is particularly poignant, as it coincides with her husband's birthday on February 20th. She shared her feelings with local television station WGRZ, highlighting the emotional weight of the day. Szabad emphasizes that while the act of giving flowers is kind, it also serves a deeper purpose for her: “I’m really doing it for my son and to help those who have a sense of loss and missing someone they loved dearly.”

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

Hearts in Bloom has garnered support from the community, with many volunteers expressing their commitment to the cause. Szabad noted the importance of this initiative in creating a supportive environment for those experiencing loss, stating that it helps to acknowledge the grief that often goes unnoticed during festive occasions.

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

While the initiative has received positive feedback, some may question the sustainability of such volunteer-driven efforts. Concerns about the long-term viability of maintaining volunteer engagement and funding for the gifts could pose challenges as the program continues to grow.

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

Looking ahead, Hearts in Bloom aims to expand its reach further, potentially increasing the number of volunteers and recipients in the coming years. The organization continues to seek community support to ensure that those grieving can feel recognized and cared for during difficult times.

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

• “After losing my child, I experienced a silence I never expected — the world didn’t seem to notice that everything had changed,” — Catherine Szabad, Founder of Hearts in Bloom

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

• “[There’s] a sense of community and being able to bring a smile to those where this day may not be just passing by like the rest of us,” — Morgan Cabana, Volunteer

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day

• “I answer that it’s really a kind thing to do — but quietly, I know I’m really doing it for my son and to help those who have a sense of loss and missing someone they loved dearly.” — Catherine Szabad, Founder of Hearts in Bloom

Nonprofit ensures widows get flowers on Valentine’s Day