Aug 29, 2009

Challenge # 21 : Find Meaning in Volunteering

Inspired by the movie, Pay It Forward, East Grand Rapids interior designer, Margaux Drake, gave birth to The Giving Gardens - a non profit organization dedicated to "planting it forward." The mission is quite simple: find donors, such as country clubs, to donate extra plants, shrubs and trees so Giving Gardens could replant the greenery where it is needed. Monetary donations are also gladly accepted. The Giving Gardens has helped Habitat for Humanity homes to city parks for children getting treatment in hospitals.

I was quite flattered when The Giving Gardens requested that I volunteer my time by photographing one of its projects for the organization's website. I never realized that my hobby as a photographer for my blog would serve a need in the community. I learned that volunteering comes in many forms. Organizations have many needs and not all needs require physical work. Non-profit's need help with writing grants, designing websites, answering phones, and in my case, photographs for their website.

I hope that you find the time to visit the Giving Gardens website to find out how you might be able to assist in spreading the good word, or better yet, help with a future installation. Enjoy the sampling of photographs I took at Frog Hollow at the new Metro Health complex in Wyoming, Michigan.











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