Community garden offers central location for cultivating fellowship
Robbinsville – It began in 2018 when Church Mouse Ministries launched the Greater Good Community Garden. Now in its fourth year of producing, the garden is overflowing with flowers, herbs and vegetables of all kinds.
It has helped supply the Grace Place Soup Kitchen, educated children in homeschools and other clubs and organizations, and given community members an opportunity to have a space to grow produce for their own use. There is also a produce shelf that offers freshly picked items for customers to enjoy.
A fresh coat of paint has been applied to the back of the Church Mouse building, and a new donation box has just been delivered. CMM has always been dedicated to giving a “hand up” instead of a “hand out” and they serve Graham County by developing and utilizing the outreach programs that are available. Through partnerships with other county agencies and their volunteers, they have been able to meet many needs of residents in Graham County.
To thank the community for its support through donations and volunteering, Church Mouse Ministries will host a “Box Reveal” on July 21 to show off the new box for donations. The box has been placed at the front of the store. Customers and visitors who come by on the twenty-first will receive a small token of appreciation. Erin Emmons, director, hopes to honor customers and volunteers by paying it forward. Emmons said, “We can’t thrive without donations. People are so giving, and our mission is to allow everybody to help each other and keep the wheel going.”
Emmons also plans to host the annual “Community Garden Party” on July 23. It will be held in the afternoon around 3 p.m. Light drinks and fresh vegetable appetizers from the garden will be served.
Everyone is invited to attend the event and see what the garden has to offer. The Community Garden is available for use by anyone in the community. There are sitting areas and tables available for a lunch gathering. It is a place to meet with friends or grab lunch and enjoy the natural beauty and quietness.
There is always room for those who would like to volunteer at CMM. Emmons explained, “A little seed goes a long way and grows in people’s hearts. We can all plant seeds of kindness and help each other grow.”
If you are interested in availability of the garden, donating or volunteering at Church Mouse Ministries, a donation-based nonprofit organization, call Erin at 479-3038. The Church Mouse Thrift Store is located at 140 Main St.