Hope Garden Program

The Hope Garden Program was started in 2009 and now is a two-acre garden where all the produce is given to food pantries, nursing homes, men’s and women’s shelter organizations and those in need.  In the last few years, over 30,000 pounds have been donated. Volunteers, many with disadvantages help plant, weed, and harvest in the garden are also given produce as available.  In June 2022, a 30’ x 72’ Hoop house was donated to Santa’s Camp and Wonderland to be used in the garden program.  It will be constructed and converted into a greenhouse by adding heating, ventilation, electricity and water to start operations in 2025.  The greenhouse will be used to start and grow plants to be used in the Hope Garden Program with excess plants being donated to individuals or organizations growing produce etc. to be given

to help those in need.  Freewill donations will also be accepted to help offset the operating costs of the garden program.  A hydroponic growing system by Freight Farm has been investigated to add to the garden program.  They are very reputable and offer full training and resources for their system.  Several webinars have been attended, including Auburn University and a group in Austin, Texas that works with individuals that have intellectual disabilities.  This system will add the ability to train individuals about hydroponic growing and add to the overall revenue sources for Santa’s Camp and Wonderland.  Your help is needed to help build the greenhouse and provide funding for the overall operations of the Hope Garden Program.  A fundraising goal of $25,000.00 to construct the greenhouse and start operations has been established.  A $2,000.00 grant from Farm Credit Services of America, $700.00 grant from the Men’s Garden Club of Omaha, $3,000.00 grant from Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation and another $5,000.00 grant from Farm Credit Services of America have been received to start the building of the greenhouse.  Another $1,000.00 grant from the Schildberg Foundation will help fund the overall operations of The Hope Garden Program.  For each $500.00 received or more, permanent recognition will be on display in the greenhouse and in publications of Santa’s Camp and Wonderland.