What started as a simple gardening project next to the Turlock Salvation Army Corp building, with only a couple of boxes and seeds to plant,  blossomed into a mass production that’s helped  feed hundreds of people in need.

On Tuesday, dozens of children from the Salvation Army’s Day Camp lent a helping hand by digging up beets and potatoes. Once the children were done picking the produce they delivered it to the S.A.'s Social Services program to be distributed to those in need.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that I’m helping feed the homeless,” said 11 year-old Monet Coffman.

Edna Gilson, a volunteer at the Salvation Army, began the gardening project seven years ago with a few boxes and seeds. The garden now produces dozens of fruits, vegetables and spices all year round, including corn, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and parsley.

“We originally started with three boxes and over the years it’s grown into the garden it is today,” said Gilson. “We could not have made this garden possible without the help and generous donations from the people of the community. This is the first year we’ve involved the kids at the Day Camp to help out plant and pick up the fruits and vegetables. They love being out here in the garden and seeing how their seeds blossom.”