Maria Navarrete-Olvera, the owner of Zena Florist in Toughkenamon, shared Valentine’s Day joy with a gift to Greenmore Farm Animal Rescue in West Grove, writes Jen Samuel for the Daily Local News. 

“Flowers do bring a lot of happiness to people,” said Navarrete-Olvera. 

Navarrete-Olvera donated a percentage of the shop’s Valentine’s Day profits to the volunteer-run rescue on a six-acre farm. The no-kill shelter usually takes in dogs from high-kill shelters in southeastern states. 

Navarrete-Olvera met with Greenmore executive director Julia Altman to present the organization with a $400 check. 

The florist was inspired to donate by her late, animal-loving friend, Laurie Szocke, who passed away five years ago. Navarrete-Olvera named her business after Szocke’s beloved dog, Zena. 

Previously, Navarrete-Olvera donated to Kennett Area Community Service, Garage Youth Center, Petals Please, and Willow Tree Hospice Care, as well as several area school districts. 

Currently, Zena Florist employs six people, all of whom enjoy bringing joy to people. 

“Being able to provide the beauty to customers, the beauty of flowers, sharing the love — and the passion — of flowers and the beauty that comes,” she said. 

Read more about the charitable gift in the Daily Local News.