Looking for a way to brighten someone’s home this Christmas? The Zonta Club of Bradford has the answer: poinsettias.
The local club is selling the festive plant to raise money for the annual scholarships they award in Bradford.
“All the money is given away; we don’t keep any of it for us,” noted Holly Puglio, co-chair of Zonta’s fundraising committee.
She explained that, due to the pandemic, the club is unsure if they will be able to hold the Queen of Hearts Card Party this February. The card party is the local club’s largest fundraiser and is held right around Valentine’s Day each year. This year, the club raised about $5,000 at the event.
Knowing an in-person event might not be possible, the Zontians opted to hold a COVID-19-friendly fundraiser now, just in case.
“A poinsettia just puts you in the holiday spirit. They’re very pretty,” said Puglio.
She suggested that people can buy one to decorate their home or to give as a gift. With many elderly people unable to get out and enjoy holiday festivities, she said dropping off a poinsettia is a good way to “brighten their day.”
Holding a poinsettia sale is something that Puglio has wanted to do for years.
She explained that she used to be president of the band boosters at Bradford Area High School, and the boosters had talked about doing it but never did.
“It’s been in the back of my mind for many years,” she said.
When the chance came to sell the flower for Zonta, Puglio checked first to make sure no other Bradford group was selling them. She didn’t want to take funding away from any other organization.
People can place orders now through Nov. 10, and money is due at the time of the order. There are two sizes and four colors from which to choose.
The cost is $10 for a 6-inch pot and $25 for an 8-inch pot. Available colors are red, white, pink or marble — aka “Jingle Bell” color.
“The plants will arrive the first week of December,” said Puglio, adding, “We will deliver them. They will all arrive in plastic sleeves.”
Anyone who wants to order flowers can call Puglio at 814-362-7785 or Karolyn Graves, the other co-chair, at 814-368-8092. Also, people can message the Facebook page for “Zonta Club of Bradford, Pennsylvania,” and the club will respond there.
Poinsettias, which are naturally found in warm climates, are popular during the Christmas season because they flower mid-winter, according to the U.S. Botanic Garden.
To keep poinsettias longer, the museum suggests first unwrapping the foil or wrap from the flower pot to keep the plant from being in standing water, then placing in a south-, east- or west-facing window that is not drafty or too close to heat registers.
When watering it, place the plant in the sink and let the water run until it runs out the drainage hole. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
