A Vegetable Garden Grows for The Salvation Army
Families in Need Will Now Receive Fresh Produce Thanks to 'Comcast Cares'
HOWELL, Mich. — The Salvation Army of Livingston County will now supplement its food pantry to those in need with locally grown produce, thanks to a generous donation from Comcast as part of its Comcast Cares Day, set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 24.
"It's a community effort for our community garden," said Capt. Aaron Ortman, commanding officer of The Salvation Army’s Corps Community Center in Howell. "It's something we have been hoping to offer for a long time."
Comcast will donate the wood to build three garden boxes adjacent to The Salvation Army's Corps Community Center at 503 Lake Street in Howell. They will also paint a few interior walls and landscape around the center. Ann's Lawn Prep. of Fowlerville will donate dirt for the boxes, and the Fresh Produce committee of the local Hunger Council and Gleaner’s Food Bank will supply crop seeds and seedlings.
This is the first time Comcast has selected The Salvation Army of Livingston County as part of its annual Comcast Cares initiative.
"Each year, I am proud to join thousands of Comcast employees and volunteers participating in Comcast Cares Day projects across the country," said Comcast Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brian L. Roberts. "It is truly inspiring to be a part of such a collaborative effort that helps so many people and organizations in the communities we serve."
After completion, the garden will be cared for by volunteers and used for an educational nutrition project for the children and families served by The Salvation Army.
The fresh summer produce will also be used in pantry packs provided as part of The Salvation Army's Summer Lunch Bunch. The program feeds children, primarily those who receive reduced or free lunches during the school year. Hot meals and pantry packs are delivered to children and their families at six designated locations in Livingston County two times a week, from June 22 through Aug. 12. Last year, 5,000 meals were delivered.
The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers to help with the Summer Lunch Bunch program and others it provides to the community. To volunteer on April 24 and throughout the summer, including helping tend the garden, call the Livingston Corps Community Center at (517) 546-4750.
Founded by William Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. In 2008, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing more than 3 million meals and 776,973 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.83 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.