The theft of equipment earlier this year from the Humanity House community garden remains unsolved, but the setback has not stopped the organization’s work. Director Barbara Button said there have been no updates in the case involving a stolen tractor and mower, an incident that slowed early spring preparations for the garden.
A replacement mower was purchased through a community engagement grant, ensuring the property can still be maintained throughout the growing season. Button said the purchase was critical in keeping the garden accessible for local residents who rely on it.
While the tractor has not been replaced, Humanity House has relied on volunteers to keep the garden operational.
“We had folks in the community who came in and plowed it for us so that we could go ahead and provide those garden spaces,” said Button. “It’s been a community effort for sure.”
Each plot — measuring 12 by 24 feet — rents for $30, though many qualify for a free plot by contributing two hours of garden work. The season officially opened March 17 at the garden located at 702 S. 1st St., and gardeners are expected to have their plots underway by the end of this week.
IN LIGHT of the theft, additional precautions have been taken. Surveillance cameras have now been installed at the garden, adding a layer of security. The stolen equipment had previously been locked in a shed, but Button noted the thefts revealed the need for further measures.
Even with the disruption, progress is underway. Volunteers and staff are working to install raised beds and prepare for planting, though Button noted the season got off to a slower start due to weather and the challenges of replacing equipment.
This year, Humanity House is adding 10 new raised beds, funded in part by grants from Frontier Farm Credit. It is also installing a drip irrigation system. Besides being easy on the back, the raised beds help protect the produce.
In good years, the garden produces between 7,000 and 10,000 lbs. of food for Humanity House — everything from potatoes and onions to peppers, squash, eggplant, and melons. That produce is distributed to the community, often displayed on tables outside Humanity House at 110 East St. for anyone who needs it.
DESPITE THE thefts, Humanity House is seeing an outpouring of community support in other areas.
The organization recently announced a $35,000 matching donation campaign, giving supporters the opportunity to double their contributions through the end of July.
Two anonymous donors are backing the initiative, which will support food assistance, utility payments and connections to additional services. Donations can be made online, by mail or in person at Humanity House.
At the same time, a new partnership with Iola High School has brought added awareness to the work of the nonprofit.
Through the “Mission Possible” initiative, students learned about organizations in the community and developed their own fundraising campaigns. The public was invited to support the projects, with participation helping determine which student efforts were most effective.
The program, coordinated with IHS Career and Technical Education instructor Dana Daugharthy, included support from several local partners, including the Register, Iola Senior Center and Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center’s Individual Placement Services program.
Students selected causes such as Hope Unlimited, ACARF and Wings of Warriors, and raised funds while learning how nonprofits operate. “It went extremely well,” Button said. “They did a really nice job.”
