Goodness Grows News

October 2020

Newsletter #42

Enjoying October

Last Picnic of the Year

Some of the beautiful October weather gave us a perfect day for an autumn picnic. It was lovely to gather outside, enjoy the colorful leaves and sunshine, and eat in the great outdoors. It was also the perfect time to have a small bonfire to start getting rid of some of the by-product of taking care of the property and keeping the walking paths clear.

Pumpkin Pandemonium

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We were pleased to participate in the Supplement Station and Back Home Market's first annual Pumpkin Pandemonium! What fun it was to donate a carved pumpkin and a basket of our Jungle Jam and Juicy Jam for this local event! The picture above shows Miss Rachel with our GG-grown pumpkin, carved and ready to glow.

Giveaway 2020 a Success

The Coat & Clothing (& More) Giveaway here at Common Ground and Goodness Grows was a huge success, in no small part thanks to the donations many of you dropped off. Thank you! Our GG team worked so hard to get everything ready for this community event and to clean up afterward. We are so thankful that our clients are such hard workers who put their hearts into all they do!


Even in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, when we had no idea what to expect, we were still able to help more than 150 people find useful items and warm clothes. New life was given to items of all types - coats, clothing, dishes, books, games, Halloween costumes, stuffed animals, a baby stroller...the list goes on!

All of the things that remained after the Giveaway will go on to other organizations doing good in our valley. A volunteer came and picked up the coats/hats/scarves/gloves for the Youngstown Blue Coats, an organization whose mission "is to prevent the freezing and injury caused by extreme weather exposure to the homeless and financially destitute Americans, with a special focus on military veterans." The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an organization that "collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes," will be coming to pick up everything else.


We are already preparing for the next Giveaway in October 2021. Anytime throughout the year that you decide to clean out closets, drawers, attics, etc., consider bringing your unwanted items here. We are thrilled to accept any clean and usable items that you think may help someone else. As always, we will freely give those items to anyone with a need, without requiring proof of income or residency.

Lunch With Cam (& Darius!)

One of the saddest bits of summer giving way to fall is saying goodbye to our summer intern family! We always miss these folks, and love it when they come back to hang out with us!! Cameron surprised our crew last week by joining us for lunch...and he brought Darius, too, through the magic of video calling. After lunch, Cam stayed to tour the greenhouse and gardens before heading back to his classes and assignments. These young men made our month!

Sisters Stopping By

October also brought a quick visit from our friends Kelly and Audrey. Kelly was home from college for a few days when they popped in to chat and take some photos for biology class. They know that we have plenty of plants and animals of all kinds at GG...what better place to take some nature pictures?!?

Jungle Jam & Juicy Jam

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This year has definitely changed so many things...but it hasn't changed our jam! We may not be out at many events and shows to sell our jam, but it is always available. If you are in need of some jam to brighten your day, give us a call here or contact us online and we can arrange a pick-up. You can also stop by Reach for the STARS in Salem to buy our jam and so many other amazing local products!

Ways to Support GG

* Online Shopping ~ Just use Amazon Smile - choose Goodness Grows as your charity of choice.

* Buying Products ~ Jungle Jam, Juicy Jam, cat toys, etc. - all proceeds go back into our program.

* Volunteering ~ Give of your time and get back lots of love & smiles!

* Donating Items ~ We are always in need of items like basic jam making supplies such as regular 8oz. canning jars, lids, sugar, and white vinegar.

* Charitable Giving ~ As a small non-profit, Goodness Grows depends upon generous supporters who give monetary support. A contribution to Goodness Grows is tax-deductible, to the extent allowed by law. Your donations help us to continue our mission of working with people of all abilities.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE TO LEARN MORE!

Goodness Grows is a faith-based 501(c)3 non-profit operating out of Common Ground Church Community. Our mission is to cultivate personal, social, and community growth through gardening, education, and opportunity for people of all abilities. We are working to improve people's lives through social and therapeutic gardening practices. We'd love for you to join us!

Create. Cultivate. Thrive.