EL PASO, Texas - A little more than a week after a mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart that killed 22 people and injured many others, a local flower shop is extending its generosity to ensure everyone has a chance to pay their respects.
- Flowers free since Thursday
- Volunteers helped create bouquets
Days following the tragedy, the Texas State Florists Association reached out to Debbie's Bloomers in east El Paso.
"They asked what they could do for us and they were able to arrange to have flowers donated," said owner Sandy Blanco.
With the partnership of Teleflora, Miami Flowers Wholesale, and Greenleaf Albuquerque, the shop was able to start handing out flower bouquets to customers at no charge by Thursday. They only requested that customers deliver them to the memorial outside the Walmart, which honors all the lives lost in the August 3 shooting.
"[People are] coming in as fast as we could make them," Blanco said.
One of those customers was Gina Riley.
"I really haven't had a chance to stop by and I wanted to take the time to show that we are supporting our city still," said Riley.
Riley left the shop with a red rose bouquet in hand. She had plans on delivering them later that day.
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"I think it's wonderful what they're doing because a lot of people want to take flowers but don't have the means so I think this is so great," said Rocio Breceda, a student volunteer.
Breceda has been helping the shop put out orders since Thursday. Due to demand, she said she lost count of how many bouquets she made.
"For me, I'm not a professional, yet I'm doing it with, oh my gosh, my heart," she said.
Debbie's Bloomers is extending the special through Monday.