NORWAY – To brighten cancer patients’ days, the American Cancer Society is selling its Gift of Hope bouquet of 10 daffodils, arranged in a vase and given as an anonymous gift to cancer patients or others in need.

People can orders these by calling the American Cancer Society’s office by March 5 at (800) 464-3102, press 3.

Deb DeCato, the Daffodil Days chair for the area, said, “Being surprised with a beautiful bouquet of daffodils, arranged in a pretty vase, is a wonderful boost to someone lying in a hospital bed. These first flowers of spring remind cancer patients that someone is thinking of them as they recuperate.”

Thousands of daffodils will arrive in Maine the week of March 22 from the state of Washington. Volunteers will bundle them in bunches of 10, wrap them and deliver them.

The society anticipates raising more than $3.5 million with its national Daffodil Days campaign and more than a $250,000 in Maine, according to a spokesman. Funds raised will help continue patient services, research and advocacy as well as the society’s 24-hour, toll-free information line (800) ACS-2345 and Web site, www.cancer.org.

Statewide, volunteers are working with local businesses, organizations and schools by taking advance orders for bouquets of daffodils for a $7 donation or $20 for the Gift of Hope bouquet. For more information, people can contact the American Cancer Society.