Feature Focus: Gabriel's Garden

Quick Snip:

What: Gabriel's Garden
Connect: On Facebook by Clicking Here!
Why: To find fresh, local produce; eggs; jams and jellies; canned goods; and homemade baby bibs just to name a few!
Donate: Soda Pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald house or items for care packages sent to our soldiers!
When: Every Saturday from 9-1
Where: Twin Falls Farmer's Market

When food-conscious Lacie Mikesell gave birth to her first son, her interest in knowing where her food came from was heightened. "I really wanted to know where my food came from and what it was treated with before I fed it to my son," explains Mikesell. This concern lead to Mikesell thinking outside the box. She started out by getting a small flock of laying hens. Gathering the eggs and carrying them straight from the coop to the kitchen can't get anymore fresh than that! As a single mom, Mikesell needed a way to earn extra income during the summer without taking time away from her son. She decided she could grow a big garden and sell her spoils at the local Farmer's Market. This grew into Gabriel's Garden. Mikesell states, "Currently Gabriel's Garden offers fresh eggs from chickens that are allowed to be chickens, produce from the garden, homemade jams and jellies, and homemade baby bibs.But Mikesell doesn't stop there. While taking care of herself and her son she also reaches out and does what she can to take care of others. Currently she is gathering donations to benefit soldiers as well as the Ronald McDonald house. "The care packages for soldiers are because of what they do for our country. Razors, shower gel and boredom busters are at the top of the requests. Neck coolers are another oft requested item, but they need to be cammo or military green in color. Currently the temps are running around 120* and they are in all their gear." She goes on to explain, "The Ronald McDonald house donations started because earlier this month my son had to go to Boise to have surgery, we were lucky enough to be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. I was in awe of how great of a place it was, words cannot describe just how awesome both the house and the staff were. It made it so much easier during a very stressful time. I am collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House but any other new items such as baby clothes, toys, etc. will gladly be accepted as well. Lysol wipes are also greatly needed."

Mikesell notes that she is just trying to make a difference where she can. She wants to be an example to show that even as a single mom she can take those moments to think about other people and even though she may not have a lot of money she can help those who may need it a little bit more.

We say that we are proud to have Lacie Mikesell as a member of our community and ask if any of you have the items she is collecting for these two great causes to please contact her for information on where to drop the supplies off. Or you can find her and Gabriel's Garden every Saturday from 9-1 at the Twin Falls Farmer's Market. Stop by to say hello and let her know that our community supports her and her efforts 100%. You can even grab some fresh eggs while you're at it!