Correction 10:14 a.m. Aug. 30. Invenergy's donated a total of $10,000 to the community. The Ellis County Fair; Ellis County Fire Department; American Legion, Ellis High School Project Graduation and Toys for Tots also received funds.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Invenergy donated to three of Ellis County's high schools to benefit their garden programs.
Invenergy, Buckeye Wind Energy Center, has donated gardening items to Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays High School and Victoria High School.
Hays High School received funds in the spring to purchase items including an expandable hose, rake, hoe, mini cultivator, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, trowels and pruning shears.
HHS will also receive a dual compost tumbler and freight boxes for raised gardens.
Victoria High School is in the process of building a new greenhouse. Delivery of their gardening supplies will take place at a later date.
On Aug. 18, TMP received donations of a dual compost tumbler and a solar water pump.
TMP students have been volunteering in the garden during the summer with the produce being donated to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, said Randy Brull, garden coordinator and former TMP science teacher.
Preston Mermis and Jenna Brull, both TMP eighth-graders, have been two of those student volunteers.
"It's something fun to do," Mermis said. "[I enjoy] the work. Some people might not enjoy the work, the labor itself, but I enjoy it."
He said he also appreciated the food is going to people who need it.
This will be the fifth year for the TMP garden.
Lesa Lang-Parson of Buckeye Wind Energy LLC said the donations further the company's mission of environmental sustainability.
"With today’s society being a convenient disposable one, it is promising to have our community's youth take a passionate interest in not only the environment but also the needs of the community," Lang-Parson said via email.
"The donations the garden club received are valued, as are the life lessons these students are learning."