The Paris-Lamar County Health District, with the Salvation Army and dozens of volunteers, came together to build a community garden that was designed to not only “beautify the area” but provide ingredients to help feed the homeless community.
“We have about four grants who are teaming up and partnering with the Salvation Army to have a community garden. We are still undecided on the name of the garden but our goal is to not only to beautify this part of downtown but also provide for the homeless and provide ingredients for the shelter meal lines. It is our hope that the homeless community will get involved to help us take care of the garden but the health district will maintain it,” said Monica Helm with the Paris-Lamar County Health District.
The garden is located by the Salvation Army Thrift Store on the corner of 3rd SW and Grand Avenue – just west of downtown Paris.
Without the help of volunteers and local businesses, the project would not have been possible.
“We want to thank Shawonna Rhoades, Jeff Barnett, Prairiland Beta, Impact Church, Bobby Smallwood Construction, and SHR (Special Health Resources) for volunteering to help us with our garden,” said Helm. “Also, a huge thank you to Paris Lumber, Home Depot, Atwoods, and Bratchers Nursery.”
Vegetables will be planted next week and a ribbon cutting will be held on-site on Apr. 11 at 11 a.m.
The group is planning on adding a pergola soon thanks to McCoy’s and Richard McIntire.
“We are also looking for flowering plants for the thrift store beds, benches, planters, etc.”
For more information on the project or if you want to volunteer or donate, contact Rhonda Brown, Kathy Ward, Kayleigh Thurman, Kayedon Parker, Kristen Prater or Monica Helm at Paris-Lamar County Health District.
