MIAMI, May 9 (UPI) -- Female inmates at a Miami prison got flowers as a Mother's Day gift, courtesy of a local florist who says he was helping "where it's needed most."
Although the 63 prisoners will still be behind bars Sunday, on Friday they gathered in the chapel of Miami-Dade's Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, clutching bouquets of flowers and fighting back tears, The Miami Herald reported.
Miami wholesale florist Bill Armellini arranged the pre-Mother's Day flower giveaway.
"I'm not a complicated guy,'' Armellini, a father of two, said."I just think help or charity should be given where it's needed most.''
Inmates spoke of being touched by the gesture.
"It a was tough reminder of being a mom,'' said inmate Herminia DeLarosa, 38, serving five years for helping fence stolen goods.
"I'm a mom in name," she said. "But I'm not living it, 'cause of what I did.''
Prison chaplain James Martin watched as the women received the flowers.
"Flowers aren't going to change anyone," he said. "But sometimes after years of stubbornness, all it takes is one simple kind gesture to push someone to change her life."
