On College Avenue, across the street from the University of Southern Maine, a community effort is blooming. Look for a green hand-painted desk laden with colorful bouquets. Flower to the People is a by-donation flower stand working to raise funds for families affected by immigration enforcement.

Emelia Inkpen, creator of the stand, works with volunteers to place fresh bouquets in the stand every morning. The stand offers the flowers for free while asking for donations from those who are able to give. All proceeds are donated to two Maine organizations that help immigrant families: Maine Needs and Project Relief Maine.

Inkpen started the stand with flowers from her own garden, but since she opened the stand on July 28, it has grown into a community movement. She now receives flower donations from five different sources, including professional farms, while neighbors and local businesses have also contributed jars and flowers and volunteered their time.

Inkpen hopes to grow the movement beyond the single stand on College Avenue. The Flower to the People website lays out a four-step plan for growth that includes setting up multiple stands and donation buckets around Gorham while volunteers hand out flowers. All growing proceeds are given back to help defend neighbors in need.

There are multiple ways to get involved with Flower to the People. Visit the stand, volunteer, follow on social media, or simply return a jar. To learn more about Flower to the People and how you can contribute, check out https://flowertothepeoplemaine.org/