New greenhouse to provide education, extend growing season

Williamsport, Pa — Construction is complete on a greenhouse that was donated to the Salvation Army Red Shield Community Garden and Urban Farm in Williamsport.

Over the years, the community garden on Park Avenue, neighboring the Williamsport YMCA, has grown from 8,000 square feet to over 40,000 square feet, with raised beds, educational gardens, rows of crops, a sanctuary garden, and more. What began as a plot of mostly raised planter boxes available to rent for the growing season, has evolved into a small urban farm , growing thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to feed the community.

The newest addition is a greenhouse, made possible by a generous — and what some might think unlikely — donation. A $4,000 donation from men who are currently incarcerated at SCI Coal Township made the purchase possible. Sweat equity donated from members of UPMC Williamsport grounds crew made the construction possible.

Donations make the dream possible

More than 400 members in two SCI Coal Township philanthropic organizations raise money on the inside through fundraisers and events. They donate the funds to a variety of charitable causes on the outside. To date, they have donated more than $200,000 to support causes they choose. The organizations, called LifeLine Association and Triumph, focus on impacts that positively help youth programs, food banks, healthcare services, emergency services, and more.

"This project would not have been possible without the support of UPMC’s leadership and incredible grounds crew, as well as SCI Coal Township’s LifeLine and Triumph groups," said Laura Templeton, public relations director for the Williamsport Corps of the Salvation Army. "These partnerships have been truly amazing!"

Two UPMC facility employees constructed the greenhouse, completing the project on Friday.

"I am really impressed by the donation from the men inside SCI Coal Township," said Craig Hoyt, working foreperson at UPMC Williamsport. Hoyt said he had no idea that prison organizations like LifeLine and Triumph existed. "Plus, I'm the father of two kids. I couldn't imagine not having enough to eat. This garden makes a real difference to local families," he said.

Templeton noted additional donations. "AmeriHealth Caritas has also been a generous supporter of the garden since its inception. Dave Bellomo of AmeriHealth confirmed earlier this week that they will be donating $500 for seeds and plants to propagate vegetables in the greenhouse and urban farm portion of the garden. All the resulting produce will be donated to the community throughout the summer and into the fall," she said.

Summer events

The Salvation Army is planning to host at least three youth activity days this summer that will be free and open to the public, Templeton said. Activities will include games, crafts, including a hands-on opportunity to learn more about gardening and how a greenhouse works. Organizers are still in the planning stages, so watch for dates and times to be published in May.

"In the meantime," said Templeton, "I am sure Sid [Furst] would be happy to provide a tour to anyone who would like to see The Salvation Army’s Community Garden and Urban Farm, including the new greenhouse. Price of admission is quite reasonable: it’s just pulling a few handfuls of weeds or picking up a watering can," she joked.

(Joking aside, the Salvation Army's Community Garden and Urban Farm relies on volunteers who enjoy getting their hands dirty. Interested? Stop by the garden or visit their Facebook page .) Scroll below for a gallery of the new greenhouse!