LEWISTON – Daffodil Days, one of the American Cancer Society’s oldest fundraising programs, is coming to Androscoggin County in March.

The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers during February and March to assist in taking orders, packing and delivering daffodils. To volunteer with the Daffodil Days program or to place an order, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, anytime day or night.

In 2006, Maine residents helped the society raise more than $225,000 through the sale of the flowers.

“This program is a great and easy way to make a difference in your community by raising money to help eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease,” said Marie Roberge, community executive for the American Cancer Society. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces when we deliver daffodils gives me such a sense of pride, and I know we’re giving hope to others.”

Androscoggin County residents have until March 10 to place advance orders for daffodils. For a donation of $7, people will receive a bouquet of daffodils. Or for a donation of $20, the Gift of Hope is a bouquet of 10 daffodils given as an anonymous gift to cancer patients or others in need at local hospitals, nursing homes and community health centers.

This year also marks the addition of Hugh R. Hope, the second in a series of special Boyds Bears designed for the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. The Bear and a Bunch includes a 12-inch tall, plush, rust-colored, bean-filled bear with brown eyes and a denim cap and a bouquet of 10 daffodils that can be ordered for a donation of $25.

March is also National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer and cancer death in men and women and is the rare case in which testing can prevent the disease.

In 2007, it is estimated that approximately 800 Maine people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and about 300 will die from the disease. Sending a bouquet of daffodils to someone 50 or older is a way to remind them to talk to their health care provider about colon cancer screenings.

For more information about colon cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, anytime day or night, or visit www.cancer.org.