Emporia Grace UMC’s La Bonita Garden of Grace is the only community garden in Emporia. It was established seven years ago under the direction of longtime member Lola Collinge. A grant provided initial funding, and church members provided the sweat equity as well as contributions of both materials and money.
The brightly painted garden totem that commemorated the garden blessing service still stands amid the bountiful raised beds today.
Extra produce is shared to the Little Free Pantry on the church grounds. Individuals who cannot garden donate money to defray rental costs for others and to buy plants, seeds and supplies.
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