Posted April 10, 2025
After moving back to Ohio, Liz O'Grady met Michelle Kipfstuhl, Director of Medina County, through their church's welcoming committee.
Through their conversations, Michelle suggested that Liz should sign up to be on Medina County's Advisory Council.
Though she initially turned down the offer, she decided to get involved once she retired.
"I enjoyed being on the [advisory] council and learned a lot about what Catholic Charities represents in the community," Liz said.
Shortly after, Michelle reported to the council that the person taking care of the garden plot in Medina's Community Garden had moved and was looking for someone to take over the job.
During this time, Liz was also studying to get her Master Gardener Certification and decided to take on this project.
"I raised my hand, and I said, 'Okay, I'm going to do it,'" Liz said.
Every year, Liz and a few other volunteers plant produce that will be donated to Medina County's food shelf, which is open to the public.
In response to the Pope's "Holy Year of Mercy" in 2016, the Medina County office decided to open its own food shelf to those in the community.
Liz finds it heartwarming to witness the looks on people's faces when they notice the fresh produce.
"It really gives you a different perspective about people and their lives and what we're doing for people that are in need," Liz said. "It's just been really heartwarming to me,"
Besides the fresh produce, Medina's food shelf is different because people can come as many times as they need as long as the office is open.
"There's not any restrictions," Liz said.
The produce from the garden is provided for the food shelf, and other organizations in the garden also donate their produce.
"We have 4-H Sprouts group here [at the garden] that has three beds, and they donate all of their produce as well," Liz said.
During the harvest season, Liz is never short on fresh vegetables to provide the food shelf.
"There's an abundance of fresh vegetables that are being donated all season long, and I think people find it very desirable," Liz said.
Donating her time has allowed Liz to see the impact on the people Medina County serves.
"For the years that I worked, I could make financial donations..." Liz said, "And now this is really a way for me to be here and be a part of making somebody else's life a little bit easier,"
Volunteering can help those in your community with their needs and make people feel fulfilled.
"People volunteering in the community and giving back is a great way to be a support... I just think it's a worthwhile way to spend some free time that you have and to give back," Liz said.
Thank you, Liz, for your hard work in Medina County and its garden plot!
Here at Catholic Charities, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities through the Diocese of Cleveland. To see how you can volunteer, click the button below.
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