This is a love letter to the volunteers who made the Northampton Education Foundation’s annual plant sale such a success this year. The plant sale, held at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School the day before Mother’s Day, began in 1997 under the Save Our Schools banner in an effort to support Northampton public school libraries and classrooms.
This year the sale raised $11,500 that will be disbursed to all seven schools to purchase books and other media materials that strengthen and supplement students’ learning experiences. None of this would be possible without the efforts of the volunteers who donate plants from their gardens; set up tables; hang signs; schlep pots, soil, and perennials; pot, identify and price plant donations; ring up sales; sell raffle tickets; load compost; move trellises; and provide friendly plant expertise to shoppers on sale day regardless of the weather (usually rainy).
Over the last 29 years, thanks to their efforts, the sale has grown from being just a fundraiser to a beloved community event. In a time of greater social isolation, it’s so refreshing to see real life friends and faces on sale day. Thank you to our sponsors as well as the individuals who donated and came out to shop this year despite the weather! We’re grateful to our volunteers for making that magic happen. We look forward to seeing old and new volunteers in 2027!
Francie Lin, Amy Levine and Mandy Gerry
Northampton