Welcome to the Daffodil DaysCoordinator Tutorial

Your step-by-step guide to leading a successful campaign at your worksite, whether you are a new coordinator or an expert.

Click Here to Begin

This guide is broken down into four sections:• Section I: What is Daffodil Days?

• Section II: How to Run Your Campaign

• Section III: Compiling & Submitting Contributions

• Section IV: Distribution Day

Use the links above to go directly to any section, or simply click through to view the entire tutorial.

Section I: What is Daffodil Days?

• The Campaign

• The Gift of Hope

• Supporting The American Cancer Society

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The CampaignDaffodil Days is an American Cancer Society fundraising campaign, offering donors multiple giving opportunities to support the fight against cancer. The program starts in January and concludes with the arrival of the flowers in March, coinciding with the beginning of spring.

As the first flower of spring, the daffodil represents hope and renewal.

To the American Cancer Society, the daffodil symbolizes the hope we all share for a future where cancer no longer threatens those we love. Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most beloved fundraising programs that provides hope to everyone touched by cancer by offering daffodils to donors in appreciation of their contributions. For more than 30 years, Daffodil Days has enabled people of all ages to join the Society’s fight against cancer by raising funds to support groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community, and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Main

The Gift of HopeWhile all contributions to Daffodil Days support the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society, they also make possible the most unique component of the campaign: the Gift of Hope.

Hope arrives every spring with the blooming of daffodils.

Gift of Hope donations made by you and your co-workers fund the delivery of anonymous bouquets of daffodils to patients at cancer treatment facilities throughout your community during the first week of Spring. These cheerful deliveries brighten the day of patients undergoing treatment, and they heighten awareness of the Society’s many free programs and services available for patients and caregivers.Main

Supporting the American Cancer SocietyIn addition to making Gift of Hope deliveries possible, your support of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days gives life and hope to millions of Americans facing cancer.

Together, we are fighting cancer on four fronts:

Research By funding young researchers with innovative ideas–42 of whom have gone on to win the Nobel Prize–the Society has played a role in nearly every major breakthrough in cancer research today.

Patient Services The American Cancer Society provides many no-cost programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers in the community, such as “Look Good, Feel Better” that teaches women how to enhance their appearance and self-image during treatment and “Road to Recovery” that takes patients to and from their medical appointments.

Education Knowledge is power. Through the Society’s 24-hour hotline 1.800.ACS.2345 and Web site www.cancer.org, you can get answers to all of your questions, even the ones you didn’t know you had.Advocacy Advocacy efforts to change laws have resulted in smoke-free workplaces and beaches, and increased access for everyone to receive the care they need for finding and treating cancer.

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Section II: How to Run Your Campaign• Review Your Daffodil Days Kit

• Recruit a Co-Coordinator

• Set a Goal

• Hold a Kick-Off Event

• Promotion

• Keeping Up Momentum

• Maximize Employee Contributions

• Get Creative

• Need Help?

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Review Your Daffodil Days KitYour kit is filled with valuable tools to assist you in the management of your campaign, including:

Promotional Materials• Campaign Information

• Thermometer Poster

• Wall of Hope Poster

• Gift of Hope Donor Recognition Card

• “Ask Me” Pin

Contribution Collection Materials• Group Contribution Form

• Contribution Summary Envelope

• Credit Card Donation Form

• Cash Receipt Request Form

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Campaign Information This is an excellent tool to communicate comprehensive information about Daffodil Days and publicize the campaign throughout your workplace.

It includes information about how your co-workers’ contributions are invested in the fight against cancer, vase offerings, and Gift of Hope options available. Post these in common areas throughout the office, in co-workers’ inboxes, or stuff in paychecks.

Contribution Options

How Contributions Support ACS

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Thermometer PosterUse the Thermometer Poster throughout your workplace to keep your co-workers up to date on your company’s progress toward your fundraising goal.

Publish your company goal here to let your co-workers know what they are working toward.

Publish your company’s internal contribution deadline here.List the name and contact information for yourself or your co-coordinator for the department/floor where the poster is placed.

Be sure to regularly fill in the thermometer as your co-workers progressively help your company reach its fundraising goal.

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Wall of Hope PosterCreating a Wall of Hope is a great way to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of your co-workers while publicizing the most unique component of Daffodil Days, the Gift of Hope.

Donations to the Gift of Hope fund allow your American Cancer Society to deliver anonymous bouquets of daffodils to patients at cancer treatment facilities throughout your community.

Devote a wall or company bulletin board to creating a Wall of Hope. Recognize Gift of Hope or all donors to your campaign, by allowing them to write their names on Gift of Hope Donor Recognition Cards and affixing them around this poster.

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Gift of Hope Donor Recognition Card

Use the Gift of Hope Donor Recognition Cards provided in your kit to recognize those who make contributions to Daffodil Days. A contributor may fill his/her name in the space provided and post on your company’s Wall of Hope.

Donor Recognition Cards may also be used in retail environments as a means of recognizing customers who contribute upon check-out. For other ways to utilize the versatile Gift of Hope Donor Recognition Card, visit the Getting Creative section.

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“Ask Me” Pin

“Ask Me” pins are provided for you and your co-coordinators to wear around your worksite to identify yourselves as points of contact for learning more about Daffodil Days and to make contributions to the campaign.

Wearing your pin not only identifies you as a coordinator, but helps publicize Daffodil Days around your worksite.

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Group Contribution FormCo-workers who do not wish to make their contributions using the Daffodil Days Web site may use the Group Contribution Form.

Leave forms in break-rooms, near your poster displays, or pass around in meetings to give each of your co-workers the opportunity to participate.

Be sure to include the company contribution deadline and the corresponding co-coordinator’s contact information in the spaces provided. Your group form may differ slightly from what is shown at right. Visit

Section III: Compiling & Submitting Your Contribution for more information on using the Group Contribution Form. Main

Contribution Summary EnvelopeYour kit also includes a Contribution Summary Envelope that will eventually hold all contributions, forms, and campaign materials to be submitted to the American Cancer Society for processing.

The envelope will summarize all contribution information for your worksite and contains spaces for your delivery information, total item requests, and total contributions to the Gift of Hope fund. Your group form may differ slightly from what is shown at right.

Visit Section III: Compiling & Submitting Your Contributions for more information on filling out the Contribution Summary Envelope at the close of your campaign. Main

Credit Card Donation FormA co-worker who would like to contribute to Daffodil Days using his/her credit card but who does not wish to use your company’s page on the Daffodil Days Web site may use the included Credit Card Donation Form.

Make copies of the form included in your kit as necessary to accommodate your contributors. Be sure that each form is legible and accurately completed to ensure that the donor receives his/her official receipt from the American Cancer Society.

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Cash Receipt Request FormCo-workers who would like receipts for their cash contributions to Daffodil Days should fill out a Cash Receipt Request Form.

Makes copies of the form included in your kit as necessary to accommodate your contributors. Be sure that each form is legible and accurately completed to ensure that the donor receives his/her official receipt from the American Cancer Society.

Paperclip each completed form to the corresponding cash donation upon submission to the American Cancer Society in the Contribution Summary Envelope.Main

Recruit a Co-CoordinatorEnlisting a co-worker to assist you with Daffodil Days is a great way to increase the success and fun of your campaign.

Co-Coordinators Can Help:

• Plan a kick-off event.• Collect contributions in his/her assigned departments, floors, or

buildings.

• Calculate and compile your company’s final contribution submission.

• Distribute flowers to co-workers on Distribution Day.• Provide overall support and teamwork in helping to reach your

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Set A GoalGoal-setting is fundamental to coordinating a successful Daffodil Days campaign. By setting a fundraising goal, your co-workers are more likely to contribute more to help you and your company achieve your intended results.

Consider your company size in determining a challenging yet realistic fundraising goal. If 40 co-workers each made the average donation, you could easily raise $1,000.

The average donation to Daffodil Days is $25.

Once you have established your fundraising goal, publish it on your Thermometer Poster and update your progress toward your goal regularly throughout the campaign.

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Hold A Kick-OffWhether it is the first or tenth year your office has participated in Daffodil Days, holding a kick-off at your worksite is an effective start to your campaign. A kick-off provides the opportunity to inform your co-workers about Daffodil Days and to identify yourself, and your co-coordinator, as points of contact for questions and making contributions.

Planning a Kick-OffKick-off’s vary in format and formality, from company-wide assemblies to cafeteria displays. Contact your local American Cancer Society staff partner for creative suggestions and ideas to plan your kick-off. To see a sample kick-off agenda, click on the link below.• Sample Kick-Off Agenda

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Sample Kick-Off Agenda

• Introduction: What is Daffodil Days?• How do contributions support the American Cancer Society’s fight

against cancer?

• No-cost programs and services in the community

• The Gift of Hope

• Why support Daffodil Days?

• Suggested: Allow a co-worker to share a story about his/her cancer experience.

• Ways to contribute

• Shows pictures or samples of Daffodil Days vase offerings

• Encourage donations to the Gift of Hope

• Contribution Deadline and Delivery Day Main

Use information from this training presentation to build your agenda.

Promotion

• Using the Campaign Web Site

• Kit Materials

Make sure your co-workers have the opportunity to learn about Daffodil Days and make their contributions to the fight against cancer by effectively promoting your campaign.

Easy methods to promote Daffodil Days at your worksite:

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Using the Campaign Web SiteThe Daffodil Days Web site is a highly effective campaign management tool and is the easiest way to keep your co-workers in the Daffodil Days loop.

Use the Web site to conveniently send pre-written e-mails to promote the campaign, remind co-workers about contribution deadlines, and much more. Additionally, your co-workers can use the Web site to request flowers and make secure online donations using a credit card.

Daffodil Days Web site tutorials are available by going to www.cancer.org/daffodils. Choose the State of California, find your local campaign and click on the link titled ‘Help Using Daffodils Online’.

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Using Promotional Materials

Your kit contains many helpful tools for promoting your Daffodil Days campaign throughout your office.

• Create a Wall of Hope to recognize co-workers who have made a contribution.

• Place posters in visible locations throughout the office such as bulletin boards, break rooms, and copy rooms.

• Wear your “Ask Me” pin to identify yourself as the Daffodil Days coordinator for your office.

Click here to review the tools included in your kit and their uses.

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Keeping Up MomentumOnce you have held a kick-off, posted flyers, and sent e-mails to co-workers requesting their support, how do you keep up the excitement about Daffodils Days until the contribution deadline?

Send RemindersUse the Daffodil Days Web site as a communication tool to keep your co-workers aware of the contribution deadline with pre-written e-mails.

Reach for Your Goal

Be Persistent

Update your Thermometer Posters throughout the office regularly to encourage contributions as your co-workers see how close the company is to reaching its fundraising goal.

Many co-workers may need multiple reminders to make their donation. Reach out to co-workers with a personal touch such as a note, e-mail, or visit.

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Maximize Employee ContributionsMatching GiftsMany companies support their employees’ charitable efforts by partially or fully matching their contributions. Make your co-workers’ donations count by checking with your company’s human resources department to see if your company has a matching gift program.Corporate Contributions Ask your company to help you reach your fundraising goal. A simple letter alerting company leadership that their employees are participating in a worthy cause could result in a corporate contribution to increase your overall fundraising total.Sponsorship Corporate sponsorship not only helps increase your campaign’s fundraising total, it is an excellent way to highlight your company’s support of Daffodil Days as a corporate leader in the fight against cancer in your community. Ask your local Daffodil Days staff partner for a sponsorship package to share with your company leadership.

Click here to view a sample Corporate Contribution Request Letter

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To Whom It May Concern:

I wish to share my excitement about the employees of (Your Company’s) participation in the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days campaign.

Daffodil Days is a fundraiser that supports the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society and helps to maintain the many vital programs and services it provides to our community. Additionally, the dollars we raise will fund the signature component of Daffodil Days, the Gift of Hope, that allows the Society to deliver anonymous bouquets of daffodils to patients in cancer treatment facilities throughout our community during the first week of spring.

As the Coordinator for this year’s campaign at (Your Company), I have set a company goal to raise ($XXX). In order to help us reach our fundraising goal for Daffodil Days, it is my hope that the company consider making a general contribution to our campaign. Any company contribution toward our goal would be gratefully appreciated.

Please feel free to contact me to learn more about Daffodil Days and our company’s participation. Thank you for your consideration.

Sample Corporate Contribution Request

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Get CreativeMany coordinators “think outside of the box” to promote the campaign and increase contribution.

Here are a few examples:• Hold a Bake Sale – Proceeds can be used as a Gift of Hope donation.

• Stuff Paychecks – Include a Daffodil Days flyer and contribution information in all employee paychecks.

• Use Company Publications – Write about the campaign in company newsletters or intranet.

• Jeans Day – Advertise a mid-week casual day that allows co-workers to wear jeans for a $10 donation.

• Raffles – Use the provided donation cards as raffle tickets for your choice of weekly prizes.

• Wall of Hope – Donor recognition cards should be used to create a Wall of Hope recognizing donors.

• Thank you gifts – Remind managers to request flowers through the campaign to give to clients or vendors.

• Retail Environments – Ask customers to “purchase” donation cards for $1 or more upon checkout.

• Gift of Hope Only Campaign – If your co-workers are rarely in the office and spend more time in the community, try running a campaign that encourages simple donations to the Gift of Hope program, rather than a flower and vase based campaign.

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Need Help?

Please refer to the Campaign Information sheet included in your kit for the contact information for your local American Cancer Society staff partner.

Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions section.

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Section III: Compiling & Submitting Contributions• Set Company Contribution Deadline

• Collect Contributions

• Compile Total Contributions

• Submit to the American Cancer Society

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Set A Company DeadlineSet a contribution deadline that is approximately one week prior to the American Cancer Society’s deadline so that you may compile the contributions and allow for mailing time.

Use the space provided on your Thermometer Poster to publish your company’s contribution deadline throughout the office.

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Collect ContributionsOnce you receive your kit, you may immediately begin collecting contributions from your co-workers until your company deadline.

Before compiling the contributions and flower requests for submission to the American Cancer Society, ensure that each of your co-workers has had the opportunity to make a contribution for any of the flower items or for the Gift of Hope.

To prepare for easily compiling your Daffodil Days submission,follow these steps: • Step One: Gather All Contribution Forms

• Step Two: Track Contributions

• Step Three: Check Receipt Requests

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Ask your co-coordinator to help you gather all Group Contribution Forms from your company’s different departments, floors, or break rooms, as needed. Gather all contribution monies submitted thus far.

Click here to review the Group Contribution Form.

Next, if you utilized the event Web site tool, print a contribution summary report that details the items requested and contributions made via your company’s site (directions will be available on the Web site). Proceed to Step Two: Track Contributions

Collect Contributions – Step One: Gather All Contribution Forms

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Contributions should be collected as your co-workers place their flower requests; however, some may choose to pay at a later time. Utilize the Group Contribution Form to track which contributions you have received by using the “Total Amount Received” column.

Check each contribution entry on the Group Contribution Form to verify that monies have been collected in full for each. Collect any contributions not yet submitted by your co-workers and update the “Total Amount Received” column.

Next, ensure that you have received payment from co-workers who contributed using the Web site, but opted to pay offline by cash or check.

Proceed to Step Three: Check Receipt Requests

Collect Contributions – Step Two: Tracking Contributions

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Collect Contributions – Step Three: Check Receipt Requests• Verify that all Cash Receipt Request Forms and Credit Card Donation Forms have been accurately and legibly completed to ensure that each donor will receive an official tax-deductible donation receipt for his/her donation.

• For Internal Revenue Service purposes, the Cash Receipt Request Form must be accompanied by the exact amount of cash donated.

• Make a copy of each completed form for each contributor to keep until his/her official receipt is received from the American Cancer Society.

• All donations made by credit card or check will automatically be mailed a receipt to the name and billing address listed for the credit card used or the name and address listed on the check used (donors who use the Web site will receive a receipt via email).

• Only donors who contribute $25 or more will receive receipts.

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Compile Total ContributionsOnce you have gathered all contributions and forms and verified their accuracy, you may begin totaling your company’s submission on the Contribution Summary Envelope by following these simple steps:

• Step 1: Delivery/Pick-Up Information

• Step 2: Total Contributions for Items

• Step 4: Calculate Monies Included

• Step 3: Total Contributions to the Gift of Hope

• Step 5: Double-Check

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1. Fill out your contact and company information in the top section.

2. If your company’s total contributions meet the courtesy delivery minimum* (check the Campaign Information Sheet included in your kit for the local minimum), fill out your delivery information in the top section accurately and legibly. If your submission does not meet the courtesy delivery minimum, please indicate the most convenient location at which to pick-up your flowers from the list provided. If you are using the Web site, simply print the Contribution Summary report and include this with your submission.

Compile Total Contributions – Step 1: Delivery/Pick-Up Information

Proceed to Step 2: Total Contributions for Items

* All Daffodil Days deliveries are made by volunteers. As a courtesy to our generous volunteers and their schedules, the company’s total contributions must meet the courtesy delivery minimum to be delivered to your worksite. Every effort is made to provide pick-up locations that are conveniently located throughout your community.

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1. Calculate the total number of Bouquets, Sunshine, Vision, and Bear & A Bunch by combining all quantities from each Group Contribution Form. If using the Web site, enter information from the contribution summary report.

2. Add the total quantities for each item to the Contribution Summary Envelope.

3. Calculate the total dollar amount for each item, then write in the total dollar amount for all items on the line provided.

Compile Total Contributions – Step 2: Total Contributions for Items*

Proceed to Step 3: Total Contributions to the Gift of Hope

* If you are using the Web site to collect online donations and record offline donations (checks and cash), you have access to a report that will help summarize the information above.

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Note: The language on the forms may differ from that provided here. Please consult your kit instructions or your ACS Staff Partner for assistance, if needed.

1. Calculate the total number of $25, $50, $75, and $100 donations to the Gift of Hope fund from each Group Contribution Form. If using the Web site enter information from the contribution summary report.

2. Add the total quantities for each donation increment to your Contribution Summary Envelope.

3. Calculate the total dollar amount for each donation increment.

4. Add the total sum of various Gift of Hope donations not in the increments above to the Line provided.

5. Total all Gift of Hope donations, and include on the line provided.

Compile Total Contributions – Step 3: Total Contributions to

Proceed to Step 4: Calculate Monies Included

the Gift of Hope

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Note: The language on the forms may differ from that provided here. Please consult your kit instructions or your ACS Staff Partner for assistance, if needed.

Compile Total Contributions – Step 4: Calculate Monies Included1. Add total contributions for items and total contributions to the Gift of

Hope, and include in the line provided. This is your grand total.

2. Next, total the following included methods of contribution, respectively: Cash, Checks, Credit Card Donation Forms, and Online Contributions.

3. Add the total for each contribution method to the corresponding line.

4. Add the total in each line together for the grand total amount enclosed and write in the corresponding space.

5. Verify that the contribution grand total matches the grand total enclosed.

Proceed to Step 5: Double-Check

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Note: The language on the forms may differ from that provided here. Please consult your kit instructions or your ACS Staff Partner for assistance, if needed.

Compile Total Contributions – Step 5: Double-Check

1. Double-check that all of your totals add up on each line of your Contribution Summary Envelope.

2. Ensure that your Contribution Summary Envelope accurately includes all items that should be delivered or assembled for your pick-up, including Group Contribution Forms and any requests placed on your company’s page through the Daffodil Days Web site. The American Cancer Society uses only the totals reflected on your Contribution Summary Envelope to fill your company’s delivery.

3. Make sure that all cash, checks, credit card donation forms, cash receipt request forms, and contribution reports from your company’s Daffodil Days Web site are enclosed and sealed within the Contribution Summary Envelope.

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Submit to the American Cancer SocietyWhen your Contribution Summary Envelope has been fully and accurately completed and all forms and contributions included within, it is ready for submission to your American Cancer Society.

Prior to or on the deadline, deliver your submission to your local American Cancer Society office as directed on the Campaign Information Sheet included in your kit.

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Section IV: Distribution Day

• What to Expect During Distribution Week

• Plan Ahead

• Distribute Flowers to Co-Workers

• Flower Care

• Delivery Corrections

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What to Expect During Distribution Week• Check the Campaign Information Sheet included in your kit for the Distribution Week dates.

• Every effort is made to ensure that your company’s flowers are expediently delivered early in the Distribution Week; however, as all Daffodil Days deliveries are made by volunteers, the American Cancer Society cannot deliver on a specific day or time. The Society and its generous volunteers appreciate your understanding.

• For expedience of delivery and to ensure optimum flower freshness, all flowers, vases, and Bear & Bunches will be delivered not yet assembled into arrangements.

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Plan Ahead• Consult with your co-coordinator(s) to decide how you will distribute the flowers, vases, and Bear & Bunches your co-workers have requested once they arrive. You may wish to determine:

Whether you will place all flowers and items in one central office location to be picked up by respective contributors or whether you will hand deliver the flowers and vases to each contributor.

Whether you will assemble the arrangements of flowers for each contributor or leave the assembling to him/her.

• Use your company’s Daffodil Days Web site to send out notifications to your co-workers as to when to expect their flowers and how they may retrieve them.

• Keep copies of each of the Group Contribution Forms and your online contribution report available for accurate distribution of flowers.

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Distribute Flowers to Co-Workers• Having determined whether to designate a central location for contributors to pick up their flowers or to hand deliver them, send an email using your company’s Daffodil Days Web site to inform your co-workers that the flowers have arrived. Include where they may be picked up, if applicable.

• If you and your co-coordinator(s) have opted to do so, assemble the daffodil arrangements in their respective vases.

• As you distribute the flowers to your co-workers or as they pick them up, point out the care instructions for daffodils included on the card wrapped around each bunch of daffodils.

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Flower Care• The daffodils will likely arrive as tightly wrapped buds – this is normal. The daffodils are kept refrigerated prior to delivery to ensure that they do not bloom until after they are distributed to contributors.

• Snip approximately one-quarter inch from the bottom of each stem and place in water to activate blooming. Lukewarm water will make the flowers open more quickly.

• Change your daffodils’ water every 1-2 days to extend their bloom life. With good care, the flowers may last up to 5-7 days.

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Delivery CorrectionsAmerican Cancer Society staff and volunteers work to ensure the quality and accuracy of each delivery made through Daffodil Days; however, sometimes mistakes may occur such as:

• Missing flowers or items.

• Flowers in poor condition.

• Chipped or cracked vases.

Should any of the preceding occur, please contact your local American Cancer Society staff partner listed on your kit’s Campaign Information Sheet. An American Cancer Society staff member or volunteer will correct the mistake as expediently as possible during Distribution Week. Thank you for your patience.

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Frequently Asked QuestionsClick on your question below to go directly to the pertinent section.• Will I receive a tax receipt for my contribution to Daffodil Days?

• Why did my daffodils arrive as buds?

• What should I do if my delivery is incorrect?

• How is my contribution to the Gift of Hope used?

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