FREELAND, PA (Monday, May 18) — The Freeland YMCA’s Little Gardener's Club will be repurposing unsold flowers from the nonprofit’s fundraiser held over this past weekend. The children, ages five to 12, will be planting the flowers at the Freeland Public Park in anticipation of this weekend's Freeland Area Chamber of Commerce Memorial Day Celebration.
Planting will take place the day prior to the event on Thursday, May 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Media are invited to attend, take photos and interview the young cultivators as they beautify the community.
WHAT: Photo Op of children helping the community WHEN: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 WHERE: Freeland Public Park (Front Street) Next to the YMCA
The Freeland Y’s Little Gardener’s Club is a hands-on program where kids explore the basics of planting, growing and caring for plants while learning about nature, responsibility and where our food comes from. The program runs on Thursdays. It began on May 7, continues through May 28 and costs $25 per child.
Contact the Freeland YMCA’s Executive Director, Jim Laputka at freelandyexecdirect@outlook.com for more info regarding the program or to sign up for future classes.
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About the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit, committed to strengthening the Greater Wyoming Valley community for over 160 years. The organization has grown tremendously in recent years, now managing eight locations in Luzerne County, including YMCA’s in Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Freeland and Hazleton (opening Summer 2026). The GWVA YMCA also boasts the 1,100 acre, community landmark, YMCA Camp Kresge in White Haven and three child care centers: Mericle Early Learning Center (Pittston Township), Casterline ELC (Forty Fort) and Bear Creek.
The Y empowers all by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y aims to improve health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of community across NEPA.
