This is the kickoff post of a new feature: the Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight. Each week (that's the goal, anyway!) we will feature a new, local volunteer opportunity. Too often we hear students say they struggle to find ways to volunteer that fit their interest and are personally meaningful. We are out to solve that problem! There are so many great things going on in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Denton and Argyle (and the surrounding areas) that students should know about. Let's shine a spotlight on some of these awesome organizations and spread the word about ways to get involved starting with the Common Ground Community Garden in Flower Mound. 

I reached out to Vanessa Bailey, the ministry leader for the Community Garden, and she shared this: 

"Our garden was established in 2015 to meet the needs of growing food insecurity in our area. We have approximately 1,300 sq of growing space dedicated to growing food for the North Texas Food Pantry in addition to two herb beds which are open for harvest to all community members.

Our mission is to grow food for the needy and cultivate community with our neighbors over shared passions and purpose. We host an instructor lead workshop the first Saturday of every month and are open to the public daily. Our garden is located in the backyard of Church of the Resurrection and can also be accessed off the Purple Cone Walking Trail. Volunteer opportunities are posted weekly on our Facebook page or can be made via private assignment. We host large volunteer groups and individual volunteers, all are welcome in the garden!

Thanks again for sharing our garden with your volunteer team. To date, we have served over 300 people in need, grown over 400 lbs of fresh produce and provide weekly fresh produce for Open Harvest and the Salvation Army food pantries. With your help, we can continue to meet the rising needs for food security in our area. Thanks for helping us, "grow the good"."

She signed off on the email with "peace and carrots", which made this even better. If you love sustainability, ministry, and getting your hands dirty, consider spending some hours with Our Community Garden. 

Check out their Facebook page here: https://m.facebook.com/commongroundflomo/ 

And if you are looking for more volunteer opportunities, we've compiled a giant spreadsheet to help you out.