Athens Garden Club Brings Christmas Cheer,
Goodwill, and Hand-Crafted Wreaths

left to right - The Athens Garden Club gift purchasing and wrapping team: Linda Baggett, Mary Pat Martin, Beverly Freeman, Frances Broadwater, Nancy Beasley, Linda Tinker, Bobbie Potter

Representatives of the Athens Garden Club delivered Christmas gifts that will bring delight to children in need this Christmas season.  The gifts were purchased through donations made by AGC members.  A gift wrapping get together was held, where piles of presents were brightly wrapped for the children.  The gifts were delivered on December 1. 

Athens Garden Club gift wrapping gathering - left to right Pat Murrell, Beverly Freeman, June Grigsby, Linda Tinker

On November 30, the Athens Garden Club met, and handcrafted Christmas wreaths for local public buildings, and businesses.  Natural elements such as pine, evergreen, holly, nandena, magnolia leaves, red berries, and pine cones were used to craft the wreaths and each one has a large bright red bow made by AGC members. The wreaths were immediately delivered for “hanging of the greens” so they can be enjoyed through December.  They can be seen at the Athens Limestone Public Library, the Donnell House, Athens State University, Health Department, Hospice House, Houston Library and Museum, entrance to the Cecil Christopher Fitness Park, and several other buildings throughout Athens.

left to right:  Two large hand decorated wreaths are presented by Cheryl Watrous, Treasurer and Holly Carpenter, President of Athens Garden Club to Paula Laurita, Director of Athens Limestone Public Library

Athens Garden Club actively supports many community based programs including their college scholarship, children in need at Christmas, LCCI food bank donations, education and Athens community beautification programs and gardening.

The main fundraiser for AGC is the Spring Bake and Plant Sale that is held in April. The fundraiser helps support the annual college scholarship for a Limestone County graduating senior who will major in horticulture, agriculture, or other related fields. The fundraiser also helps support the Christmas decorating of the Donnell House, shrubbery and flower planting and maintenance at the Houston Library, and at the entrance to the Cecil Christopher Fitness Park. The fund also provides handcrafted wreaths and swags for Athens public institutions, buildings and businesses.  

For further information about Athens Garden Club, please contact AthensGardenClub@live.com.

December 11, 2011
Holly Carpenter
Athens Garden Club