VALRICO, Fla. — Ringing the doorbell and running away is usually frowned upon, but there is a new group started by a woman in Valrico that is doing it on a regular basis. They aren’t trying to cause trouble, they’re trying to create happy moments.
In the past 40 days, Amy Scolaro has packed more than 60 gift baskets filled with all sorts of fun trinkets, snacks and typically wine.
“It’s very magical, whimsical, it’s very childlike,” said Scolaro.
Last month, Amy created the online group, Wine With Friends Florida. The mission is to leave gift baskets outside people’s homes, to help brighten their day during the pandemic.
“You drop off the basket of wine and goodies and you ring the doorbell and leave and you run away,” said Scolaro.
So far more than 10,000 people across the state have joined the group, wanting to make and deliver their own baskets. Scolaro calls them “Wineicorns.” Her sons are even part of the herd.
“I feel the world is going through so many dark times, that we bring a little light to your doorstep,” said Scolaro.
The recipients are usually referred by a friend or family member. Every delivery is a surprise.
“Most of the time they are complete strangers and it’s one stranger to another and I’m doing this nice thing for you,” said Scolaro.
On Thursday, Scolaro was caught before she could run away. Marisa Gingrich was left speechless.
“I’ve been sitting here working and it gets really lonely, I’m in my office all day long with my dog and it’s awesome to open the door to all these things for me and my kids,” said Gingrich.
Scolaro said you can never choose the wrong person to do something nice for.
“And a lot of times it’s like, ‘what’s the catch,’ there really isn’t one we just hope you have a great day,” said Scolaro.
