“We’re just thrilled. Starting out, we didn’t know if we could this year,” said Wendy May, the project co-chair with Sue Ann Dill.
Normally, the wreaths are created in the cancer center’s back room by several Master Gardeners. With COVID restrictions, the facility couldn’t offer that, and the recent local stay-at-home request only added to the dilemma.
The group filed for an exemption from Ohio State University, which sponsors the group, requiring the members would follow safety measures from social distancing and masks to frequent use of hand sanitizer. The project then went into the members’ homes with 35 pitching in to create them.
The 24-inch-long and 18-inch-wide wreaths start with fresh spruce and Norway greenery, most of which is grown in Clark County and donated. The Master Gardeners donate the ornaments and add pinecones and topped with a large bow, each being unique in design.
Next came a question of logistics. A Master Gardner intern who retired from Springfield-based Woeber’s Mustard reached out to his former employer.
Woeber’s provided plastic bags and boxes for the wreaths, also lending a truck to transport the wreaths to the cancer center, which May said was especially helpful as it would’ve meant a caravan of individual cars and trucks to transport the wreaths instead of just one.
May was the exception who was allowed to help distribute the wreaths on Thursday with center staff. Part of the experience is hearing the journeys of the patients.
“So many say this is the only decoration they may put up and how much that means to them. That’s very meaningful,” she said. “Last year, a lady said this was probably the last (wreath) she’d ever get and enjoyed it with her family through the whole season. Some of our members or their family have been through the cancer center.”
The Master Gardeners have distributed 1,100 wreaths in the 13-year partnership with the cancer center. As long as there is a holiday season, the association will likely continue.
“As long as the cancer center wants us to do it,” said May. “It’s wonderful to see a no-cost activity can make people so happy in the process.”
In return, the cancer center gives the Master Gardeners a financial donation, which this year will be used to purchase a park bench for its ongoing projects in Snyder Park.
Work continues on its pavilion and several new gardens will be introduced this spring that May said the Master Gardeners are eager to share with the public.
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