Church, YWCA partner on garden project

VW independent/submitted information

First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert and the Van Wert YWCA of Van Wert County’s Summer Food Program are collaborating on a new and exciting opportunity for growing and taking care of a community garden.

The garden will provide children ages 4-15 the opportunity to understand the growing process, from seed to stem, along with nurturing skills such as responsibility, cooperation, and teamwork.

The idea was presented to the YWCA in early spring by First Presbyterian Church members and has become a reality since then. A variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs are being grown, and those plants were planted by the project’s 8-9 year old group (see photo at right), who are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their labor.

All Summer Food program participants will have the opportunity to plant, water, and care for the garden throughout the summer, while other YWCA and First Presbyterian Church volunteers are helping with this activity.