Many of our service projects provide a “safety net” for others in our community, taking care of others who may not have the resources to take care of themselves.
The Chore program identifies homeowners who are elderly or living with a disability and unable to carry out house chores and outdoor upkeep, and pairs them with volunteers who perform these necessary tasks, allowing those in need to remain in their houses and keep their independence. It is a great program that brings communities together, relying on the kindness of neighbors to keep those that are struggling in their homes.
If you should ever need garden care, never fear, the Bats will be there! Upon meeting homeowner, Mark, he assigned us with the task of weeding his garden beds—easy enough. But then he took us over to his corn and squash bed, which is about 20 feet long and was being taken over by weeds and a hearty layer of grass. This would be no easy task! With some collaborating on how best to use our energy, the girls decided the job that seemed the hardest should receive our attention first. All tools were employed, not one girl was empty handed, and the shanty singing, laughter and weed busting began! Two hours later, the girls looked with deep satisfaction at their supremely turned garden bed and didn’t hesitate to get going on the next task at hand—more weeding!
What we learned about Mark is that he doesn’t just garden for himself. His garden is there for his grandkids and for donating produce to the Food Bank; Mark too is offering what he can to be a part of the “safety net” by giving back. So today our cups overflowed into Mark’s life, and this overflow will spill out of Mark’s heart and gardens and into the local food bank. We sure experienced the heartwarming joy of that connection today, being grateful to be able to help Mark out and in turn having our cups filled with gratitude and kindness.
Some highlights:
- Corn & squash row clearning! We busted up the grass, turned the soil, added soil amendments and edged the long stretch of garden like pros! These girls have some brawn!
- Garden bed tending! The girls divided up into task force teams between the three garden beds and the blueberry patch. Weeds were pulled up with wild abandon. Then with ever so much care, the girls planted new starts.
- Planting! No day of gardening is ever complete until you’ve planted a few seeds or starts. The girls planted corn, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, and cucumbers!
Mark was so grateful for our work that he was kind enough to offer us a little chocolate treat at the end. The girls enjoyed this gift as they gave thanks to the Chore program and to each other's hard work. What was most amazing was after nearly four hours of weed busting, several girls said, “We could do this for one more hour!” There is no day more satisfying than a day spent in a garden with friends.
Words of the Day? “Help, dirt, plant, YAY!”
Check out the slideshow here!
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