Courtesy of Joelle Dontigny and Teri Hickel:

The Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation recently honored its Volunteer of the Year, Mandy Blackmon. She performs every task in the garden, from greenhouse work to planting, harvesting, composting, and even the dreaded weeding in the rain.

One of the biggest helps Mandy has provided has been hauling the harvest. Every Wednesday for the last two seasons, she has transported the numerous crates of produce to the senior housing apartments, the main recipient of the garden’s vegetables. She also assists with the distribution of produce to the seniors. They love seeing her sunny smile and receiving her warm hugs.

And she does it all without complaint. She is continuously there to help and serve in any way she can.

Mandy has also involved her two children in the garden’s activities and produce distribution.  The kids have learned gardening skills and service to others in the process. The Blackmon family has enjoyed the garden so much they are currently building their own vegetable garden, raised beds and all.

In addition to the garden’s formal activities, Mandy bakes cookies for the annual holiday cookie party at the senior housing apartments, something some of the garden volunteers do informally. And last December Mandy arranged to have her daughter’s Cantate choir come sing Christmas carols for the seniors. So her efforts don’t just stop in the garden.

Mandy is a wonderful asset to the Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation and the community.  We thank her so much for all she does.

FYI

The Truman Community Garden has harvested over 25,000 pounds of produce for senior citizens, Meals on Wheels, homeless dinners, families at Truman, and more. To learn more about the Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation, visit http://www.federalwaycommunitygardens.org/