So many people have been extremely generous to donate their time, talents and treasures to help Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative. We are truly very grateful.

Anne Chickilly and her husband, Erik Segan, of Hokendauqua, have planted a small garden for us at Mickley-Prydun Farm. They have been donating their fresh vegetables since July 16. Our guests are happy to get a fresh zucchini, tomato or cucumber. Chickilly provides recipes with some of the vegetables.

In talking with Chickilly, I wanted to know why they wanted to provide a garden for us and asked her some questions specifically about the garden. The rest of this article contains responses from Chickilly.

“When COVID-19 hit, we witnessed many people suddenly becoming unemployed or losing their jobs. Erik and I felt we needed to help in some way. We discussed planting a garden and, although our backyard wouldn’t hold the capacity we were looking for, Erik and I talked about the farm we see when we rode our bikes along the Ironton Rail Trail.

“On the trail, Erik met Whitehall Commissioner Jeff Warren and asked about the possibility of using a small spot at Mickley-Prydun Farm, which the township owns. When we received Whitehall Township’s approval and began to set the garden, it was late May.

“We were extremely nervous about all the work that had to be done, but thanks to family, friends and a local farmer who tilled the field, we were able to reach our goal quickly. The terrain was different for us. We found a recyclable fence to use. The fear of deer weighed heavily on our minds. As far as deer deterrent to surround the perimeter, we chose to plant lemon grass, peppermint, salvia and cleome, which have been working out wonderfully so far.

“We started the garden with some vegetables we were familiar with, such as zucchini, tomatoes, cucumber, sweet peppers, banana peppers and pumpkins. Green beans are totally a new experience for us as well as the fall crops we are currently planting. We had some pests earlier in the season but welcomed in the lady bugs by planting some chives at the center of the garden and a few more peppermint plants surrounding the garden. Ladybugs eat plant-destroying insects, so we knew that it was imperative that we attract them to our garden. Thanks to the ladybugs, the plants are much happier and healthier now.

“We believe in growing things naturally and with much love. It has been such a gift to grow for others. Hopefully, we can expand the garden next year with the permission of the township. I have already spoken to some local greenhouses about preordering vegetable plants for next season, and they seem very happy to help. Erik and I are definitely not farmers, but we knew how to grow some vegetables and with much love. All the obstacles we faced were overcome by faith and the support of loved ones.

“We believe that nutrition is so important, and we are thrilled to provide it to people. It was eye opening hearing about the amount of people WCHI is feeding. We couldn’t believe there are so many food-insecure people right here in our own community. We know this is a very small piece in all the work that WCHI does, but we are very happy we could provide a little bit of assistance. To sum up the reason as to why we are growing this garden, it’s simply for the love of others. In these uncertain times where there is loss, turmoil and hatred, we must sow seeds of kindness.”

Thank you to everyone who helps us.

WCHI is disbursing food 11 a.m.-noon and 6-7 p.m. Aug. 13 for our community outreach program at both of our summer camp sites: Redeemed Christian Church of God, 5 N. Third St., Coplay, and St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 835 Third St., Whitehall.

Future distributions are Aug. 27, Sept. 10 and 24 and Oct. 8 and 22. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide much appreciated food to 507 Whitehall and Coplay residents July 30.

This week’s needed food items include baked beans, canned chicken, graham crackers or saltine crackers, Hamburger Helper, individual cereal boxes/cups and large cereal boxes, individual boxes of raisins, Jif to Go peanut butter, individual macaroni and cheese, ramen chicken noodles (block) and spaghetti noodles.

Have a great week!