Got Tools? AHA Hosts Garden Tool Drive

Triangle area residents who dig gardening and giving are invited to donate spare gardening tools for Advocates for Health in Action’s (AHA) Garden Tool Drive. Tools may be donated during the following Garden Tool Drives:

Tuesday, March 15, 11 AM – 1 PM

Alexander Family YMCA
1603 Hillsborough St., Raleigh in the WakeMed Rehabilitation Office | Get Directions

Monday, March 21, 11 AM – 1 PM

WakeMed Cary
1900 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary outside the main entrance | Get Directions

Wheel barrows, hoes, shovels, pick axes and other useful gardening tools are in great demand at many area community gardens. AHA will arrange for any donated tools to go to gardens in need.

Be sure to check AHA's web site at www.advocatesforhealthinaction.org for gardening resources, presentations and handouts from the March 5 Dig In community gardening summit, which was also one of the garden tool donation sites.

“Community gardens are increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” commented Laura Aiken, executive director of AHA and Community Health Specialist at WakeMed Health & Hospitals. “Schools, churches, neighborhoods, community groups and other nonprofits can capitalize on the excitement around sustainable food systems, connect people with where their food comes from and promote environmentally friendly living.”

However, one of the biggest hurdles community gardeners face is funding for all the supplies needed to maintain the gardens. “Many of us have old shovels and tools tucked in the corners of our garages,” Aiken continued. “Why not donate those unused tools for others in our community growing local foods?”

Advocates for Health in Action is a group of more than 50 diverse organizations and community members who are shaping the environment throughout Wake County so healthful eating and physical activity are the way of life. AHA works to achieve its mission by shaping policy and environments that ensure available and affordable access to healthful foods and physical activity for all community members.