The subject is roses as Friendship Day set Sept. 10

Friendship Day 2014 -- the 19th year for the fun local event -- is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Intended to spread friendship, goodwill and kindness among Putnam County citizens, the event is sponsored by Eitel's Florist, the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, Asbury Towers Retirement Community, Bittles and Hurt/Hopkins-Rector funeral homes, Duke Energy, First National Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Mill Pond Health Campus, Putnam Inn and The Game Warehouse.

Approximately 4,000 roses will be given away in dozens with the one stipulation -- that those who receive the roses keep only one for themselves to enjoy and give the other 11 roses to 11 other people, friends, neighbors, co-workers, family or even total strangers.

While the roses are totally free, sponsors of Friendship Day request that if they can, persons picking up roses drop off a canned food item to be donated to the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry.

"This is just one more way that we can make a difference for our neighbors," Tammy Johnson, executive director of the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, said in announcing the event.

Anyone unable to bring a canned good can still get a dozen roses to pass out.

Roses will be available at most of the sponsor locations starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 10. A complete pick-up location list will be released out before Sept. 10, Johnson added.

"Each year the roses go faster," she added, " so the sponsors want to remind and advise everyone to come early, before they are all gone."