Residents of The Villages, a 55-and-up condo community in Freehold, created an organic vegetable garden in their development earlier this year and donated more than 250 pounds of fresh-picked vegetables to the Freehold Area Open Door food pantry during the months of June and July.
Open Door, a 501 (c) nonprofit located at 39 Throckmorton Street, also provides rental and utility assistance, after-school programs and more. They are always in need of volunteers and donations. To learn more, visit www.faopendoor.org.
The gardeners offered a big thanks to Sigismondi Brothers Farm in Manalapan for donating and delivering 13 yards of compost to stregthen the soil, and to The Home Depot of Howell for a $300 material donation.
Residents who work on the garden say they enjoy gardening with fellow residents, picking up gardening tips and tricks, and meeting new friends. Many also said they appreciate the opportunity to have a place to garden after downsizing from their previous homes to live in the condo community.
“It’s great to be able to do something you love that can also benefit people in need,” said one resident. “I think everyone involved would say it has been a great experience all-around.”
Editor’s note: Is your community doing something to help others? Email us at info@betterwithagenj.com. We’d love to hear about it and share your story to inspire others!