he Children’s Farm Project in Summerton, which serves children and young adults with disabilities, received a $12,500 grant from the Home Depot Foundation to support their latest conservation and beautification efforts. On October 12, volunteers gathered for a special planting day at the farm, located at 1269 Lilly Martin Road. The event ran from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as community members and Home Depot associates worked together to help transform the farm into a thriving, sustainable space.
The grant has played a vital role in the farm’s mission to provide hands-on learning experiences for children with disabilities. It was used to purchase materials for planting fall vegetables, flowers, and pollinator plants, while also supporting the development of walking trails and small animal care spaces. This project is designed to make the farm an inclusive space that emphasizes skills development and therapeutic experiences for those on the autism spectrum and with other special needs.
Executive Director Belva Marlin, a retired teacher with roots in Summerton, spoke passionately about the project: “This farm has always been a dream of mine. I’ve worked with children my whole life, and to be able to provide a place where they can learn about the earth, animals, and life skills—it’s really special.”
Marlin noted that the farm was once part of her family’s land, passed down through generations. The space is now being revitalized with the help of community members, volunteers, and organizations like Home Depot. “We’re developing this farm for everyone, but especially for children with disabilities,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the participation of volunteers from Home Depot in Florence. Allan Joseph, assistant manager of the Florence store, helped organize the store’s involvement in the project. “At Home Depot, giving back to the community is something we’re really passionate about,” said Joseph, who has been with the company for nearly 19 years. “We do a lot of projects, but when we get to work with programs like this, helping children and people with special needs, it’s even more rewarding.”
Joseph explained that the Home Depot Foundation regularly supports community initiatives across the region. “We usually have between five to ten projects lined up throughout the year, but this one stood out to us because of its impact. The children are going to benefit from this farm for years to come.”
On that Saturday, volunteers helped plant fall crops and pollinator plants, creating a rich educational environment for the children to enjoy. Nancy Holmes, volunteer coordinator and board member for the Children’s Farm Project, said, “I’m so excited to be part of this. I’ve always loved gardening, and getting to share that with the kids was a dream come true.”
Holmes, a former elementary school teacher, has long been an advocate for children. “Working with people is my passion, especially when it involves helping kids,” she said. “There’s something magical about teaching them to care for plants and animals. It gives them confidence and a sense of responsibility.”
The farm’s future plans extend well beyond gardening. Marlin shared that they envision a training center with both indoor and outdoor classrooms, where children will learn life skills like cooking and farming. The farm will also feature a small gift shop where produce grown on-site will be sold, with proceeds going toward sustaining the project. “We’ll teach the children to cook with what they grow, and they’ll also learn about running a business,” said Marlin.
In addition to the educational elements, the farm is being designed as a peaceful, therapeutic space. “We hope to bring in small animals like lambs, sheep, and goats, as well as horses for therapy programs,” said Marlin. “Eventually, we’d love to incorporate horse therapy for children with disabilities.”
Community support has been vital to the project’s progress. In addition to the Home Depot Foundation’s grant, local businesses have stepped up to assist. One company, based in Sumter, provided pest control services to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay during the planting event. “The help we’ve received has been overwhelming. It shows how much people care about this community and the children we’re serving,” said Marlin.
For Marlin, the project is not just about creating a space for learning, but also about fostering a sense of connection and belonging for children who often feel left out. “It’s important for these kids to know that they’re part of something bigger. This farm gives them that sense of community.”
As the Children’s Farm Project moves forward with clearing land and preparing for future programs, Marlin remains focused on one core mission: “We want this to be a place where every child can grow, both literally and figuratively.”
The event was a huge step toward achieving that vision, with the farm now well on its way to becoming a permanent fixture in the lives of Summerton’s children and their families.
