While reading the online Daily Herald today, I ran across information on the "Giving Garden" effort sponsored by the paper. Given I had just posted an article regarding Chicagoland Farmer's/French Markets recently on my own blog site, the colorful ad and article really caught my eye.  Every summer, the Daily Herald newspaper sponsors what they call the "Giving Garden" program. For those gardeners with green thumbs (and producing extra fruits and vegetables) in the Chicagoland counties of Kane, DuPage, Cook, McHenry, and Lake counties, in IL ... this program offers an opportunity to help their fellow residents suffering from the present economic downturn. For families having a hard time putting food on their table, this is a godsend program. Many community organizations also take part in this annual sponsored program. Cub Scout Pack 1047 of Gilberts, IL has planted a "Giving Garden" again this year that will benefit this charitable annual summer effort. Through their efforts, the members of Cub Scout Park 1047 will grow, tend, and harvest well over 1000 vegetables for contribution. In past years, this Pack has donated all of their crops to the FISH food pantry in Carpentersville. Their efforts helped feed the 400+ families that turn to that organization for assistance. This is definitely a "win-win" effort for all that take part. There is the obvious win for those receiving these healthy foods for their families. But it is a huge win for the contributors too. They know that the extra foods they produce will not go to waste and will find their way to good use. The "Giving Garden" program sponsored by the Daily Herald newspaper runs now throughSeptember. The list of donation drop-off locations is plentiful and too long to print here ... but click on the following link to find the complete list of places where donations are accepted:  Whether offering a donation of your gardening efforts ... or a recipient of someone's donation and generosity, consider participating in the wonderful "Giving Garden" program. |
