They sit waiting, longing to be given a home on a cozy front porch or inside a dorm room. Each individual future is unique; some will have their round bodies shaped to their owner's liking while others will remain au naturale. That's right. The time has come. Pumpkins have arrived.
The Wesley Community Child Care Center is one of many locations where students can purchase pumpkins during the weeks leading to Halloween.
This past Wednesday 45 people -- students, church members and child care center volunteers -- worked in an assembly line to unload 2,154 pumpkins that will temporarily inhabit the front lawn of Wesley United Methodist Church, located directly across from Memorial Gym.
According to Shahrzad Darvish, board member for the center, this is the second annual pumpkin patch sponsored for the Wesley Community Child Care Center.
"Last year was really successful, but we are hoping for even more success this year," Darvish said.
The pumpkins for sale are grown on Indian reservations in New Mexico in cooperation between the tribes and the company Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser that delivers the pumpkins.
According to Darvish, the best thing about the fundraiser is that the company will pick up the pumpkins that aren't sold and not charge the organization. Because of this, it is impossible for the organization to lose money.
The money that is raised throughout the month will be used to increase the salaries and benefits for those at the center as well as for classroom supplies. The childcare center, open daily from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., is a multi-national center that cares for 41 children ranging from infants to pre-kindergarten. The philosophy of the center is based on incorporating a multi-national theme, and is enriched by parent's presentations from their respective countries.
The pumpkin patch offers a range in size and price of pumpkins. Model pumpkins will be displayed with corresponding prices so that shoppers will be able to search for their pumpkin while keeping their budget in mind. The tiniest pumpkin is 50 cents, and the largest $55. Indian and strawberry corn as well as gourds will also be available at the fundraiser.
The pumpkin patch is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to dark and Sundays from 1 p.m. to dark until Halloween.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | YesterdayWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 3 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
