Schell’s paid a gift of flowers forward by donating boxes full of calla lilies to New Ulm Medical Center. Every NUMC staff person, patient or visitor left with a least one lily. Lilies were also given to the Law Enforcement Center, Fire Department and assisted living facilities.

NEW ULM — New Ulm Medical Center staff, patients and guests were surprised Wednesday to receive a free calla lily, courtesy of Schell’s Brewery.

A Schell’s delivery truck dropped off dozens of boxes full of calla lilies at the NUMC clinic entrance.

The brewery came in possession of a great number of free lilies. Through a clerical error a truck delivered more lilies than needed to someone ordering them. The person could not take the extra flowers, so the truck driver donated the extras to Schell’s Brewery.

Schell’s owners Ted and Jodi Marti decided to pay the gift forward and give away the plants to people who could use a pick-me-up.

“We were blessed with a gift so we paid it forward,” Jodi Marti said.

The exact number of lilies given away is unknown. Jodi said it was a lot. Schell’s employees spent the day delivering the flowers around town. Boxes went to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, New Ulm Police, New Ulm Fire Department, longterm care facilities, assisted living facilities and NUMC.

NUMC patients and staff were delighted to receive flowers. NUMC grief counselor Emily Hoffrogge said it was a real day brightener.

Dee Samman of Mankato came to the clinic with her husband. Both were promptly given lilies.

“It was a very nice thing to do, very uplifting and something nice for a change,” Samman said.

Schell’s was pleased to make the day a little happier for those in need.

“Everyone needs a ray of sunshine in these trying times,” Jodi said.