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AmeriCorps assists Christian center

HELPING HANDS — More than a dozen volunteers with AmeriCorps, with supervision from local master gardeners, worked last week to assist with continued development of the Weirton Christian Center’s community garden project. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — More than a dozen AmeriCorps volunteers were in the city last week lending a hand to the Weirton Christian Center with the development of its community garden.

The volunteers — part of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps — are dispatched throughout the United States to assist with a variety of community projects.

Weirton Christian Center Director Kim Weaver contacted AmeriCorps to arrange assistance for the project, noting volunteer groups had multiple work sites in the area.

“They have three sites in the Panhandle,” Weaver said.

The garden, which has been in development for the last two years, has 12 raised beds for vegetables. On Friday, volunteers were tasked with helping to clear an area for a walking path and a planned serenity garden.

Bob Marino, a local master gardener who was supervising the work, noted this was the first year the garden has had any crops, but it often is difficult to find people to assist with its upkeep. That made the AmeriCorps volunteers’ efforts even more beneficial, he said.

“It’s a great organization. They do a lot of good,” Marino said. “We really appreciate their help.”

Brandon Shepard, one of the team leaders of the AmeriCorps volunteers, explained the organization has volunteers traveling across the country, working on projects to help uplift communities, highlighting special features for the benefit of residents.

“We really enjoy that, just leaving our mark everywhere we go,” Shepard said.

Shepard, who is from Nashville, noted the group visiting Weirton last week has members from across the country.

Marino explained the community garden has been valuable to the Christian Center, providing an activity for the local youth, as well as lessons on nutrition and responsibility. He said they also have been working to get nearby residents involved.

“There’s a real push all over the country to have community gardens,” Marino said.

The Weirton Christian Center’s community garden is the only one in the city’s downtown area.

The AmeriCorps volunteers were brought to West Virginia as part of the Days of Service for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree.

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