By Cathriona Fey
BAPA Outreach Liaison
Megan Robb was a regular in the Beverly Free Box Facebook group. She appreciated the sense of community that the group created, and when the announcement was made about Robb’s passing after battling metastatic breast cancer, it was clear the community appreciated her. While several people knew Robb as a good friend or familiar face in the neighborhood, those who only knew her through Beverly Free Box posts, messages and pick-ups were equally saddened by her death. Robb proved that even through virtual communities, connections and friendships can be made.
Friend and fellow Free Boxer Anne Williams wanted to remember Robb and the impression she left on so many. Williams reached out to the community that meant so much to Robb and asked for seeds. She received an outpouring of seed donations from Beverly Free Box members and began organizing and packaging the seeds to create a seed library in Robb’s name. With support from Pastor Ben Heimach-Snipes and the Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, the seed library will have a permanent home in the community where Robb planted her roots.
Neighbors are invited to celebrate Robb’s life and the spirit of community at BAPA’s Seed and Garden Supplies Drive, Sat., Apr. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, Morgan Park Presbyterian Church parking lot, 2017 W. 110th Pl. The event will feature the Megan Robb Memorial Seed Library and a variety of free seeds and used garden supplies that have been donated by neighbors and local businesses. Attendees are asked to share the love, take only what they need, and leave some for others.
BAPA will be promoting its Save the Monarchs initiative and have monarch butterfly-friendly plant seeds to share.
Neighbors interested in growing produce for local food banks can also sign–up to grow additional food to help feed our neighbors through Grace Seeds.
If you are interested in donating seeds or used garden supplies (planters, tools, seed trays, soil, compost) to the event, drop off donations to BAPA, 1987 W. 111th St., Mon., Apr, 5 through Fri., Apr. 9, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or bring your donations to the Morgan Park Presbyterian Church on the day of the event at 10 a.m. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, email cfey@bapa.org.
