Volunteer Spotlight: Cheryl Bjerke

Meet Cheryl Bjerke, Hope Blooms volunteer!

Karina, our volunteer coordinator, states “Cheryl possesses a generous spirit and is always ready to contribute to spreading joy within our community. Her ability to brighten a room with just her smile is a gift she generously shares at Hope Blooms, whether she’s picking up flowers, assisting in the shop, or making deliveries”.

What do you love most about Hope Blooms?
Your mission says it all. We’re changing lives one bouquet at a time. Kelly saw a way to make sure people knew they matter. There are so many flowers that are going to waste and to see how these flowers can be repurposed is simply amazing! It’s been so fun to see how Hope Blooms has grown over the years.

How do you spend your time with Hope Blooms?
It started out at least 5 years ago when my boss invited me, along with my 2 young granddaughters, to come in one evening to make bouquets. I had never heard of Hope Blooms and I was so nervous as I don’t have a creative bone in my body. Boy, was I surprised to see the beautiful bouquets that were produced that night. It was the best evening with my granddaughters and they had such a good time too.

Since then I have done a variety of jobs. I pick up flowers at Hornbachers, I help process flowers occasionally but my favorite job is delivering the bouquets around the community and seeing all the recipients’ faces light up. Those bouquets are such good conversation starters as some people in the senior centers are so lonely. I’ll never forget when a gentleman told me it was the first bouquet he had ever received. He had tears in his eyes. I’m so thankful we can personally deliver the bouquets again after Covid.

What is your favorite flower and why?
All of them (except lilies because of the smell). Any flower around me just cheers me up and makes me smile.

What value do you find volunteering with Hope Blooms?
I first signed up because I wanted to give to others. It didn’t take long to see I receive more than I give! A bonus is meeting and volunteering with so many wonderful volunteers.