ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Volunteers of America delivered more than 200 Mother's Day gift baskets at assisted living facilities around Rochester on Sunday.

Volunteers prepared “I Love Mama" flower and candy baskets earlier in the week for seniors whose families won't be around this weekend to make sure they're appreciated.

"It is the most joyful thing you can imagine,” Volunteers of America director of development Cheryl Marshall said. “These ladies who think they’ve been forgotten are suddenly just overjoyed. The heartfelt joy that they have is amazing and it's so fun to watch."

“Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for many elderly women with family members who live far away or are deceased,” said Lynn Sullivan, VOA’s president and CEO, in a statement. “VOA’s ‘I Remember Mama’ celebration ensures these women are not only remembered, but are celebrated with flowers, food and gifts. This is a tradition that we’ve continued to celebrate for more than 32 years.” 

“I am so grateful for the sweet thoughts in the Mother’s Day gift I received from Volunteers of America,” Nancy, a senior resident who received a gift basket last year, said in a statement. “The Gerbera daisy plant is a favorite flower of mine, and each accompanying gift in the basket are all very precious to me. Thank you VOA for thinking of me.”

For some, it brought back memories of their own mothers.

The event is also a fundraiser for the VOA to help serve senior citizens across Rochester.