Charleston –The Charleston Catholic Middle School (CCMS) girls’ basketball team will be planting 800 tulip bulbs on the grounds of the YWCA Sojourner’s Homeless Shelter for Women and Families, 1418 Washington Street East, Charleston, W.Va., at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 13. The bulbs will provide a stunning show of color in the spring, brightening the view of the recently-completed landscape for the clients and staff at Sojourner’s.
“I’m incredibly proud of our girls,” said CCMS Coach Keshia Butler. “Basketball teaches teamwork on the court, but projects like this show how powerful that teamwork can be off the court. This project gives our players a chance to serve others, show compassion, and understand the impact they can have in our community.”
The bulbs were donated by Valley Gardens in Charleston and offer the finishing touch on landscape restoration work recently completed at Sojourner’s. Led by Jason Testman, landscape architect with Valley Gardens and a board member of the West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (WVNLA), crews repaired and restored pavers originally installed nearly 20 years ago. The original project included a landscaped outdoor patio and seating, large playground, paved courtyard and landscaping that was fully funded by WVNLA.
Jabbar Thomas, Sojourner’s director, thanked Valley Gardens and the YWCA for this contribution to the YWCA Sojourner’s facility and to the community. “The generosity of our region is deeply appreciated, and this landscaping restoration and bulb planting is a huge gift for all of us.”
Sonya Hairston, CEO of YWCA Charleston, added: “This project is more than beautification—it is a reminder to every woman, child, and family who walks through our doors that hope is still blooming for them. The care shown by Valley Gardens, WVNLA, and these remarkable young students demonstrates the heart of this community. Their gift will greet our clients every spring with color, dignity, and the simple joy of feeling seen and supported.”
West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc., established in 1939, is a professional trade association dedicated to supporting nursery and landscape businesses and vendors throughout the Mountain State.
WVNLA members support West Virginia college students studying horticulture and landscape architecture with scholarship opportunities. They also share expertise and support in their communities; meet for volunteer projects; and support worthy, industry-related endeavors through Association donations. For membership, events or mission priorities please visit https://wvnla.org/
