PUTNAM — With social distancing keeping families and friends apart, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) has decided to call our flock of lawn flamingos out of retirement in order to inspire smiles and raise funds for NOW youth scholarships, outreach programs and wellness clinics.
The program – affectionately called “Flock-A-Friend” – invites individuals to donate to NOW and in return the organization will send a flock of friendly flamingos to the yard of a friend or loved one. The flamingos will stay for a short visit before moving on to a new location. The size of the flock varies, with options to send 15 flamingos for a donation of $50, 30 flamingos for a donation of $75, or 45 flamingos for a donation of $100. To ensure safe social distancing and sanitation, a NOW staff member will handle the setup and breakdown of the flock, with no other contact.
The previous “Flock-A-Friend” campaign launched in the spring of 2014 after NOW had received a donation of 50 lawn flamingos from Charlie Pious, president of Nutmeg Container. The flamingos had a successful stay in various yards of community members and businesses throughout May and June of 2014 before retiring. NOW Executive Director Sarah Wolfburg said: “These past months have been challenging for our community, with many people home and away from family, colleagues, teachers, and friends. Our hope is that the flock of flamingos, with their silly and bright appearance, will help spread some cheer and smiles as we continue to social distance.”
“Migrating” a friendly flock of flamingos to the front lawn of loved ones is easy. Simply visit the NOW website, www.nowinmotion.org and complete the flocking form – as soon as the flock is free, they’ll fly right on over!

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