Bill has been a committed volunteer at the Root Cellar, and one of the current projects that is closest to his heart is right in his backyard. Last summer, the Experience Mission teams worked with the kids who attended the Root Cellar's summer programs to clear out the overgrown brush that filled Bill's backyard. Since then, the kids, along with Root Cellar staff member, Clark, and other volunteers, have transformed it into a vegetable garden. Carrots, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and zucchini are among the vegetables that now fill the spaces in Bill's backyard. Although the plans for the vegetables are still up in the air, the hope is that they can be used in the food program at The Root Cellar and to teach the kids about the process of getting food from the garden to the table.

In Portland this week, a team from South Dakota spent a few hours on Wednesday afternoon alongside The Root Cellar kids and staff working hard at maintaining and expanding the garden. They also had the chance to start clearing another area of brush, which completely covered the sidewalk across the street. The team is made up of 24 incredible, hard-working individuals who endured the hot sun and even enjoyed doing it!

This garden project is unique because it allows the Root Cellar and Experience Mission teams to give to the kids of the community, as well as engaging them in the work of the Root Cellar. What a cool way to get the kids involved in giving back to their own families and community!