The season of giving came a bit early Wednesday at Carters Flower Shop and Rochette’s Florist LLC. The annual Good Neighbor Day taking place at both organizations was accepting donations for the Prince Edward Christmas Mother program, which distributes toys, books and clothing to children in need in the community.

Christmas Mother Board of Directors Member Cameron Patterson said more than 280 children were helped by the program last year. Christmas Mother Navona Hart, sporting a festive Santa apron, welcomed members of the community into Rochette’s Florist to pick up roses.

Carters Flower Shop had approximately 15,000 roses on hand ready to distribute Wednesday, and Rochette’s Florist had 700 dozen, plus an extra 100 that were going to be given during Longwood’s Family Weekend, that was canceled due to weather-related concerns. During Good Neighbor Day, people receive a dozen roses. They are tasked with giving 11 roses to their neighbors, friends, family, loved ones, even strangers. They keep one rose for themselves.

To learn more about the Prince Edward Christmas Mother, visit pechristmasmother.com, find Prince Edward Christmas Mother on Facebook, or call (434) 392-5559.