Noon Rotarians Learn About Krops4Kids

Effingham Noon Rotarians heard from Gary Niebrugge of Krops4Kids at their June 1 meeting.

This is the inaugural year for the program, which gives at-risk kids an opportunity to grow crops, but also to grow themselves. Niebrugge explained the program involves 19 4th to 8th graders who are growing vegetables in land on Niebrugge's property south of Effingham. At the same time he hopes to share God's love and hope; teach hard work, ownership, responsibility and gratitude; and provide an opportunity to learn how to give.

Niebrugge said "God laid it on his heart" to begin the program. He joked that he told his parents when he was reaching adulthood that he would never have a garden again, now it's an integral part of the program.

Speaking of parents, Niebrugge said the parents of the program kids are starting to get involved, a goal of the program since they are trying to form ties with the entire families of the kids involved.

Tony Siemer served as Rotary weekly program chairman.

(FROM LEFT, GARY NIEBRUGGE AND TONY SIEMER)