Daffodil Days are coming next month. The perennial fundraiser for the American Cancer Society is underway, and volunteers are taking advance orders in person, online and by email for the familiar cut bunches, vases and potted plants. But for the first time in many years, one very familiar face will not be representing the local Daffodil Days Campaign in Carbon and Schuylkill County.

Carolyn “Cary” Sinclair, who was a leading volunteer in the Daffodil Days, as well as the annual raft race and the telethon, passed away in July. Family members say her greatest work and source of fulfillment came through her four decades of service as a faithful and devoted volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Her fellow volunteers will remember her this year by dedicating their Daffodil Days campaign efforts to Sinclair and presenting the proceeds for flower sales during the annual Telethon program in April.

“Cary was one of the most amazing and versatile women I have ever had the opportunity to work with,” says Lisa Hiles, longtime ACS volunteer and friend of Sinclair.

“Her dedication to the goals of The American Cancer Society was evident in each and every event she was involved in. She was family to me and will be sorely missed.”

For the past several years, Sinclair led the team of volunteers who managed on-site daffodil sales at Redner’s in Nesquehoning. For decades, she was also one of the chief greeters at the annual American Cancer Society Telethon, where she’d direct performers, volunteers and audience members as they arrived.

Nancy Beers, CEO and president of BTM in Jim Thorpe, says she remembers Sinclair from the time Beers first got involved with daffodils, and always for Cary’s special smile.

“She was always so welcoming, making everyone important and at ease. She was just such a sweet person and do dedicated,” Beers said.

This year, some of Sinclair’s children will be at the telethon to take up her duties at the reception desk. They will be on hand, too, as the proceeds from Daffodil Days are announced on live TV.

Daffodil orders are due March 8. Orders can be placed by calling 570-805-4555, or online at www.CancerTelethon.org/daffodils. Orders can be faxed to 570-805-4554 or emailed to CancerTelethon@gmail.com. Orders can be placed in person at Hiles Brothers in Summit Hill, or with any American Cancer Society Telethon volunteer.

Flowers arrive March 17 and will be for sale while supplies last March 17-19 at Hiles Brothers Summit Hill, Lehighton Outdoor Center, Cancer Telethon Volunteer Office in Lansford, Boyers in Lansford and Tamaqua, and at the Army National Guard Armory in Hometown. Donations can always be mailed to American Cancer Society, 33 W. Ridge St, Lansford PA 18232.

The American Cancer Society for Daffodil Days for Carbon, Monroe and Schuylkill Counties welcomes Sponsor 2020 Sponsors: Silberline Manufacturing, BTM, Shafer’s Pharmacy and Hiles Brothers.

For information about volunteering, to sponsor daffodil days, order flowers, or make donations in memory of Cary Sinclair, call the volunteer office at 570-805-4555, call Joe Krushinsky at 202-297-3274, or email JKrushinsky@gmail.com.

The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better.