Young gardener is raising funds for local nonprofit
{Contributed photo/Kevin Williams}
Lanie Williams is on a mission … one driven by her desire to help others. Currently, she’s targeting a specific audience: children battling cancer.
A few weeks ago, Lanie, 11, was at her church, Tyro United Methodist, with her family when she was witness to a presentation by a local nonprofit. Charlie’s Champions, which states on its website the organization “exists to provide love, hope and support to families whose children battle cancer,” shared its mission with the congregation. Determined to take action to make a difference, Lanie consulted with her father, Kevin, about using her talents to assist.
On Tuesdays in May, you can purchase vegetables grown by Lanie from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Farmers Market Flea Market. It’s located in at 366 Livestock Market Rd., in Lexington. Since Lanie is in school during this time, family members staff the booth. Lanie’s goal is to raise $500 for Charlie’s Champions.
“When I saw the presentation, I told him [my father] I wanted to grow them to raise money for them because we always had some left,” said Lanie. “The reason I chose [Charlie’s Champions] is because of the fact that those children who have cancer have a lot of troubles and I wanted to help buy them medicine.”
The Tyro Middle School sixth grader began gardening three years ago. “My dad helps me and teaches me how to do it best. He learned from his grandfather, Conley Williams.”
Currently, she is growing approximately 2000 plants, including black cherries, purple and teardrop yellow tomatoes, okra, squash, zucchini, strawberries and cucumbers.
What does she enjoy about the process? “I enjoy it because I always like seeing something new growing and watching them grow in the garden. I feel pride and a sense of satisfaction, and I really like giving them away.”
The fact that Lanie likes sharing her produce with others isn’t surprising to her father.
“My daughter is very tender hearted, makes very good grades and is always putting others before herself. She has spent a lot of time on this project.”
Aside from watching the vegetables grow, Lanie, who likes riding horses and ballet, shared what she’s learned about her recent crops.
“I started out growing them three months ago in the garage. It was a jungle. I learned not to overwater and how important light is to help them grow. I learned that it’s a lot of work to keep up with so many plants. I take care of the plants like they are my children, pruning and watering them daily.”
During the month of May, Lanie will donate the funds she raises to Charlie’s Champions when all plants are sold. Not one to rest on her current plan, she already has a strategy in place for fall produce and excess stock they acquire this spring.
“I hope to take some of the produce we make in the garden at home to Pastor’s Pantry when the vegetables are ready for harvest. I want to grow pumpkins in the fall to raise more money for charity.”
For now, Lanie is focused on continuing her mission.
“I believe it's important to help others because everyone needs help sometimes. I like helping because it makes them and me feel good. I always want to be helping people when I can.”
*Photos contributed by Kevin Williams.
