The Garden of Giving, a local farm which serves local families in need, reopened last Saturday. Over a dozen volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clear the garden’s asparagus beds, rake straw, repair equipment and to spread rich, aged manure.

The end of winter means there’s lots of cleaning up to do.

The farm is always updating and improving; recently, the chicken coops were moved to allow room for the building of waist-high raised beds, which can be tended by older people and the disabled.

Located at 2556 Rising Hill Drive in Saylorsburg, The Garden of Giving originated with an inheritance. Owner Tammy Graeber felt that her good fortune should be shared, and thus began the spirit of giving that sustains the farm.

“All things grow with love” is a favorite saying there.

The farm provides fresh vegetables and eggs to families that have a hard time adding healthy food to their diets.

The garden’s big brown hens supply countless dozens of eggs every week, which are distributed to local food pantries. The garden expects to triple its produce production this year.

The many local people who volunteer, like Cindy Walsh, a teacher at Clear Run Elementary school, and Matt Rivera, the “equipment specialist,” are the strength of the effort.

Gino Morales volunteers as a gardener, and Bill Campbell, of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church, shares his electrical expertise.

Scouts and school children show up on weekends to learn, to work and to earn their Scout badges. In fact, May 4 is Girl Scouts Day.

In addition to the many volunteers, much help is provided through grants from local businesses and foundations, which most recently provided two new sheds and a very efficient tractor.

New volunteers are always welcome every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the growing season.

May 18 will be an “all hands on deck” day, as the seedlings are planted in the ground after the last frost. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and herbs head the list.

Graeber welcomes all who want to help. A board secretary is needed, as well as a general secretary. Paperwork, as everywhere, is a big part of running the garden.

For more information, contact Graeber at 570-402-1282 or at gardenofgiving1@gmail.com.