FARMINGTON – The American Cancer Society added the Gift of Hope to their annual Daffodil Days campaign a few years ago in order to brighten the days of cancer patients recuperating from surgery or undergoing treatment.

The Gift of Hope is a bouquet of 10 daffodils, arranged in a glass vase, and is given as an anonymous gift to cancer patients or others in need.

Individuals can place their orders by calling the American Cancer Society’s office by March 5 at 1-800-464-3102, press 3.

“These first flowers of spring remind cancer patients that someone is thinking of them as they recuperate, and that there is hope in the fight against cancer,” said Pam Ferrari of Farmington, the local Daffodil Days chairwoman.

Thousands of daffodils will arrive in Maine the week of March 22 from the state of Washington. When they arrive, volunteers will meet and bundle them in bunches of 10, wrap them and deliver them. The society anticipates raising more than $3.5 million with the national Daffodil Days campaign and more than a quarter million dollars in Maine.

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 at www.cancer.org.

Statewide, volunteers are working with hundreds of local businesses, organizations and schools by taking advance orders for bouquets of daffodils for a $7 donation or $20 for the popular Gift of Hope.

For more information about purchasing the Gift of Hope or Daffodil Days in general, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-464-3102, press 3.