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Pay It Forward: Man’s work in community garden appreciated

Many people look forward to the growing season each year. A time when fresh tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn are plentiful, but produce can be expensive. A lo...
 Growing a garden takes time, hard work and some know-how.

It’s not for everyone, but one community is making sure that anyone can take part in the process and enjoy locally grown food.

"Small town everyone takes care of each other," said Tiffany Burmeister.

She said one man is the driving force behind the Tipton Hardacre Community Garden. That’s why she nominated Mike Boyle for the News 8/Ascentra Credit Union Pay It forward Award.

garden

"Good morning Mike,” Burmeister said. “You do so much for the community, I'm with Channel 8 and Ascentra Credit Union and I would like to Pay It Forward to you. Here is $300 for all that you do.  Thank you. You do so much!"

Boyle spends several hours each week planting, tending and harvesting produce.

"People are very grateful for the produce and everything we grow we donate somewhere,” said Boyle.

The items he grows are everything from raspberries to tomatoes and peppers, for food pantries and other centers in Tipton. The food is available for anyone in need.

Boyle said they “fill a niche that a group of people that are hard to reach in many cases."

"We survive on donations,” he said. “Donations like this,  this is going to help us get started next year.  We are very grateful for that.”

"It is expensive in the store and for him to be able to do this, is amazing," Burmeister said.

She wants to make sure Boyle gets credit for his hard work and hopes more helpful hands will join in the cause, providing healthy locally-grown food to those who would otherwise go without.

 

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