Free flowers and bouquet-making kits available for kids through Valentine’s Day

Photos courtesy of South Side Kids.

South Side Kids is collaborating with Red Roses Floral again this year to offer free DIY flower kits for Pittsburgh kids who want to make bouquets for their moms, grandmas, dads and loved ones.

Starting on Monday, Feb. 12, local children and their parents or caregivers can visit Red Roses Floral at 1122 E. Carson Street on the South Side to collect their complimentary DIY Valentine’s Flower Kit. Each kit includes one rose and the decorations needed to craft a lovely bouquet. The free kits will be available through Wednesday, Feb. 14, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

If you’re unable to make it during these hours, we’re told the store will be open for extended hours next week because of Valentine’s Day. Just call ahead (412-431-6188) and ask for Heather to confirm pickup outside the standard hours.

This week, kindergarteners at PPS Phillips and kids participating in the Citiparks afterschool programs at Arlington Recreation Center got a chance to craft gifts for their parents and caregivers using flowers from Red Roses during a bouquet-making party that included snacks from Cupka’s Cafe 2.

Established in the fall of 2022, Red Roses Floral is among the first black-owned flower shops in the greater Pittsburgh area. Located in the former Cindy Esser’s Flower Shop, Red Roses continues Esser’s legacy of community advocacy by partnering with organizations like South Side Kids to provide free and positive opportunities for South Side families.