A group of young women from the Westford nonprofit Flowers to Empower spent their day off from school giving back.

Ten students from the organization met Foundation board members on the town common on Veteran’s Day to hand over a donation for the renovation project.

“We’re all avid readers,” said Madhurika Sivakumar, 16, the group’s associate CEO. “We’ve grown up at the Library. Some of us can even walk there. It’s made us who we are.”

Flowers to Empower started in 2022. Through growing and selling flowers, girls in grades 5 through 12 gain entrepreneurial and leadership skills. But that’s not all. “Philanthropy is an important part of what we do,” said group founder Elizabeth Almeida. “It’s not just about counting pennies and figuring out how to spend the earnings.”

Madhurika explained that the group votes once a year on how to use their proceeds. While a portion is used to fund outdoor adventures and other enriching activities, all group members also have the opportunity to pitch an organization they would like to support through a donation. “The adults step back,” Elizabeth said. “The girls make the decision.”

Madhuriaka and Elizabeth praised the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. “It’s incredible what you’re doing,” Madhurika said. “Donating is the least we can do.” Elizabeth echoed her sentiments. “I often tell the girls, ‘If you love something, you can find a way to make it better. Find people who love the same thing. When you get involved, you can get incredible stuff done.’”

The Foundation thanks Flowers to Empower for their generous donation!