How one senior brings a community to bloom
At Passavant Community in Zelienople, the beauty of kindness arrives on four wheels. Once a month, a pushcart filled with fresh-cut flowers donated by Trader Joe’s makes its way through the hallways, spreading color, fragrance and joy to residents and staff alike.
The monthly tradition is powered by a team of dedicated volunteers who carefully collect, arrange, and deliver the flowers across campus. Bouquets are placed in dining rooms, common areas and households, with special attention to where they will have the greatest impact. Any remaining arrangements are left in the lobby as a gift for anyone in need of a lift.
At the heart of this effort is Passavant resident Maxine Gant, who helps organize the distribution each month. Her leadership ensures that what might otherwise be “just flowers” become moments of connection and joy.
The impact is felt widely. “You have no idea the positive impact you make here on campus,” said Marjorie ‘Midge’ Hobaugh, Director of Marketing and Communications at Passavant Community. “This is the latest proof of your day-to-day kindness.”
Executive director Laura Roy added, “Thank you, Maxine, for making it happen each month. What a sweet way to bring beauty and joy!”
For many at Passavant, the monthly flower cart has become more than a delivery—it is a ritual of kindness, a small gesture that makes a big difference. It is a reminder that joy doesn’t always come in grand moments, but sometimes in the quiet roll of a cart down the hall, guided by neighbors who care.
