Local efforts to raise money to fight cancer have returned to their roots.

Or more correctly, to their bulbs.During a press conference Monday afternoon held at Tamaqua High School, organizers of the annual Carbon-Tamaqua American Cancer Society Telethon outlined a month of special events which will culminate in the 35th annual telethon April 5-6 at Penn's Peak. The first telethon was held at the high school.The daffodil sale is one of the mainstays of the fundraising efforts and for the first time, the cheery blooms will come from a local supplier, van Hoekelen Greenhouses, McAdoo and Kline Township. Kevin Motroni of Guy's Flowers, Hometown, will be furnishing the vases for the bunch and a vase combination."Daffodil sales aren't as popular in other areas of the country, but they are popular in Pennsylvania," said Joe Krushinsky, cancer telethon chairperson, who added that about half of all the money the American Cancer Society raised through daffodil sales last year came from Pennsylvania. "In past years, the daffodils for the whole country came from Washington State, and we're proud to build our 2014 daffodil campaign on the strength and cooperation of local area businesses."The campaign motto is, "The flower of spring brings a season of hope."Krushinsky gave credit to the many volunteers who have contributed to the annual success of the event."This is the single largest fundraising event in our area," he said. "It's almost unimaginable that three-and-a-half decades later, a lot of those same people are with us."One of those local volunteers, Walker Township resident Peggy Zimmerman, will be honored with the national American Cancer Society's Chairman Award. She'll receive the award during the annual Carbon-Tamaqua Telethon kick-off dinner March 30."We hope that everyone who has an opportunity to get involved continues to do so," Krushinsky said. "Our hope is to make this year the most exiting and productive year in our history."New volunteers, sales coordinators and sponsors are always needed.Anyone interested should call Cary Sinclair, 570-669-7017 or email

CancerTelethon@gmail.com. The telethon office is located at 33 West Ridge St., Lansford (570-805-4555) and open Mondays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays.