The governors of many states throughout the country ask their citizens to participate in “Day To Serve”. This is just one day when volunteerism is key, and citizens are asked to give their time and talents to help their local communities in some way. West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin is no exception. He has asked community organizations, faith-based organizations, civic and humanitarian groups along with governmental agencies to participate in this day of service. And volunteers can choose their day – sometime between September 11th and October 10th.
Governor Tomblin noted, “By volunteering in our communities, we have the opportunity to give back to our friends and neighbors while preserving our state’s longstanding tradition of neighbor helping neighbor and community spirit. Through our collective efforts and by sharing our time and talents with others, we can strengthen our hometowns and ensure a brighter future for West Virginia.”
In Shinnston, the coordinating committee of the Community Garden has chosen next Saturday, October 3rd as a Governor’s Day of Service. The Community Garden has served Shinnston well for several years now, raising fresh produce that is donated to the local Lord’s Pantry to help feed those in need. However, the garden, too, needs a little help! Plans are to not only maintain this area for future use, but to expand it somewhat as well.
The City of Shinnston invites area students, church youth groups, sports teams, FFA members, 4-H’ers, Key Club members, area Master Gardeners, scouting groups, and anyone else who would like to participate to meet at the Community Garden at 9 a.m. next Saturday for this volunteer effort.
Community volunteers in Shinnston have “served” before. Several years ago the Governor’s Day of Service in Shinnston focused on cleanup and beautification work at the Sue Ann Miller Trail Head in Shinnston. Shinnston received well-deserved acclaim for their show of community pride. The coordinating committee hopes that this year’s project will draw similar praise.
Must you have gardening experience? NO! Gardening knowledge? NO! All you need is a desire to help. Several projects have been slated for that day and much help is needed to accomplish all that is planned – such as planting bulbs, painting, making additional raised beds, planting fruit trees and blueberry bushes, etc.
Wear your work clothes and come with enthusiasm … get some exercise … have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to better your community … and have some fun working with friends and neighbors! When work is complete, stand back and take a look, knowing that you have made a contribution. And in celebration of a task completed, refreshments will be served!
