Much praise is in order for the First Baptist Church of Hillsville and pastor Dr. Lawrence Childs for their innovate idea to help their fellow man through a community garden.

Like many churches, First Baptist helps out with local food pantries and Open Tables throughout the year. But considering the state of the economy, Dr. Childs and members of the church felt compelled to do more for the many in need in the area. Thus was born the idea of the Community Garden, which could host as much as 15 acres of sown crops for area residents.

Seeds for pinto beans, okra, field peas, green beans, squash, corn, and potatoes have been purchased or donated, and the church hopes to add tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, and broccoli. Everything grown in the garden will be used to help folks out of work and/or struggling because of the economy.

Childs, who owns the land, is even going as far as allowing folks who would like to plant their own garden, but don’t have the land, to do so in the community garden. Additionally, the church is even providing mentors to help those that would like to grow a garden, but don’t know how, to do so.

With the economy in such a bad state and with so many people struggling to make ends meet right now, it is truly a great thing when anybody can offer a helping hand. First Baptist Church of Hillsville is certainly a shining example of that. Even the smallest donation can go a long way in today’s lean times. Hopefully others will follow the church’s Christian example and come up with other new ways to help out those in need.