DUMC youth work at Community Garden

The Destin United Methodist Church Youth Group recently volunteered to work in the Main Street Community Garden located behind the American Legion at 311 Main Street. 

They worked from 10 a.m. to noon and raked, moved debris to Spring Street, and restacked lumber. 

“It was wonderful to watch all those young people working so hard,” said Ron Sandstead, president of the Main Street Betterment Alliance.

With the support of the American Legion, the Community Garden was organized to give people a place to grow food for themselves and their family, as well as develop a greater sense of community by neighbors getting to know neighbors.

“We are in the process of bringing in electricity and getting bids on drilling a well for the irrigation,” Sandstead said. “Coastline Tree Service and Taylor Ward, owner of Sandman beach services, have both devoted a significant amount of time and resources to clearing the garden of debris.”

Besides the privately owned raised beds, there will be a common area that will be devoted to growing food for the less fortunate. The produce grown will go to food kitchens and food banks.

To help with donations of money, materials or labor, call Sandstead at 850-974-9616.

“I would love to see youth groups from other churches or organizations come to help with the Community Garden,” said Sandstead. “The miracle of growth is one of God’s greatest miracles.”