By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Wonder Women League, in partnership with the Good Samaritan Society and Ascension Living Via Christi Village, provided raised gardens and plants for the seniors living at the centers.
The league placed raised beds at both the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities at Good Samaritan.
Gloves, watering cans and gardening hand tools were also donated.
The Wonder Women League is a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County.
Jan Klaus, league Elder Care Committee member, said the raised garden bed project was near and dear to her heart.
"Elder Care Committee was brought forth to find projects in the community that would benefit the elder population," she said. "After taking care of aging parents and relatives, I know how important it is to give them a purpose, and tending to a vegetable garden seemed like the perfect idea.
"Wheels were put into motion with the help of our committee members and wonderful volunteers, and donors stepped up to help. We are hopeful the raised garden beds will continue for years to come and give the residents pride and joy in tending to them."
Noe Gillespie, Good Samaritan Society administrator, said he wanted to thank the league for the donation as well as Good Sam activity coordinator Jackie Honings for helping to involve the residents in the project from day 1.
Elder Care Committee members include Deb Hoffman, Jan Klaus, Pat Klaus, Sherry Dryden, Lavonne Giess, Marie Froelich, Shelby Doty and Cristina Janney.
Donors include: Bob Billinger – constructed beds
Hank VonLintel – constructed support legs
Hays Greenhouse and Superior Lawn and Landscape – donated vegetable plants and soil
Heartland Building Center Inc. – donated lumber
RD Graphics – donated signs for beds
Family members of the committee members worked to move the soil to the beds. These included Dave Giess, Dan Meyerhoff and Brad and
Mike Klaus.
Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League.