Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 24th 2007, 11:07am By Courtney Bajdas

On a warm sunny September morning I arrived at the Community Action Information Center to cover a story about community gardens. Rosa Gibson, the founder and director of the CAIC has earned due acclaim for converting vacant lots in her East Side neighborhood into gardens; utilizing spare tires, cinder blocks, and old shoes as planters. What happened instead, was a morning full of volunteering.

As I approached the CAIC, it appeared to be closed. I strolled into the side yard to take in the gardens and examine the recycled planters when I noticed a middle-aged (or so I thought) woman hauling sacks of potatoes. She did not hesitate in accepting my offer of help and from that point on, I hardly sat down. The CAIC also functions as a local food pantry (provided by the Food Bank of WNY and the Food Shuttle of WNY). Some of the founding members of the CAIC are home-bound or have passed on. It is these seniors that Gibson cannot forget. She personally delivers bags of groceries to approximately 23 elderly individuals each month at their homes, God City Housing, The Moose, and other monthly drop-offs.

Unfortunately, Gibson (76 years old; believe it or not), does most of the work herself. From stocking the pantry, tending the gardens, deliveries, and the endless paperwork. 10 years ago she had regular helpers, but as I said previously, they have passed or are not able to assist any longer. The next generation has not stepped up. Luckily, there is outside help.

On this particular morning, a group of approximately 10 Canisius College students along with Father Tom Colgan arrived to assist in the delivery of groceries. The plan had been to break up into 4 vehicles with a local community member in each car to help with directions. Sadly, none of the community members showed up on time so Gibson suggested we all set out together.

For roughly 3 hours our caravan of 2 15-passenger vans and 1 sedan repeatedly besieged homes all along the East Side. Each time, all 13 of us exited the vehicles and went to the door to deliver 2 bags of groceries to each senior. The recipients were friendly and gracious; there were instances that Gibson had to initiate our retreat or else we'd have stayed in a few parlors the entire day chatting with these wonderful elders.

In addition to the meat, sweets, and other staples included in this month's deliveries were tomatoes grown in the CAIC garden. Ideally, Gibson would like families to take ownership of plots in the garden. This would serve to bring families together, provide home grown produce, and increase community pride. The CAIC food pantry assisted 1207 individuals in the month of August alone.

Gibson runs this operation with very few consistent helpers. She needs help! Presently she is seeking board members, secretarial help, and of course regular old volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering, call ahead or just show up. Pick-ups at the CAIC food pantry are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Gibson could use your help stocking the pantry, distributing food, watering gardens, and organizing paperwork.

Community Action Information Center 103 Wohlers Ave 716.885.5925