HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? WITH KINDNESS; LEIMER MAKES A DIFFERENCE AT JACKSON FOOD PANTRY

JACKSON -- Gilbert Leimer is an unassuming fellow with a generous smile.

But he makes a difference each and every day at the Jackson Senior Center and its food pantry.

Leimer's contribution of more than 1,000 pounds of home-grown vegetables to the needy caught the eye of national Make a Difference Day judges, a project co-sponsored by USA Weekend and the Southeast Missourian. Leimer's name appears in the magazine today as a local winner. He also earned a certificate and a $100 check for the food pantry from the Southeast Missourian.

Leimer's Make a Difference Day project literally took root in the spring of 1999.

He dipped sweet potatoes in water to grow slips. He then tilled the ground and planted three large rows of sweet potatoes. He tended the vegetables with care, keeping out the grass and weeds and watering the plants when rain gauges were dry.

"My intention was to raise 1,000 pounds for the food pantry," said Leimer, but the dry weather kept the harvest to 643 pounds. He bagged the sweet potatoes in four-, five- and eight-pound bags and took them to the Jackson Senior Center Food Pantry, which he manages as a volunteer.

With his 1,000-pound goal still in sight, Leimer also planted and tended turnips, harvesting 264 pounds for the food pantry. He also planted, harvested and donated enough Irish potatoes to reach his goal of 1,000 pounds of vegetables, along with an extra 50 pounds.

In addition, he donated another 427 pounds of his homegrown tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, green beans, squash, okra, peppers, watermelons, turnips, radishes and lettuce to the Jackson Senior Center.

Debbie Stockton, administrator of the center since 1993, says Leimer is a dedicated volunteer, one of many at the center.

"He does anything you ask," says Stockton. "He takes care of the food pantry, helps out with the trays, changes the lights, works at the desk, does repairs. He's kind for kindness' sake."

He has served as treasurer of the senior center board for many years. He's been frequenting the senior center for more than 16 years, eating there an average of four days a week.

Leimer has been gardening for 72 years. He remembers spading in his mother's garden when he was a lad of 7. Before retirement, he served as manager of the Feeder Warehouse for 17 years.

He and his wife, Jeanette, give most of the produce of their garden away.

"That's what I raise it for to help other people," he says matter of factly. He also donates other food to the Lutheran Home, friends and family.

Leimer has been involved with the food pantry about nine years. It distributes food to the needy the first Saturday of each month. On April 1, the pantry aided 131 families and 311 people. Most of their food comes from the Bootheel food bank in Sikeston. Each individuals receives a bag with 15 to 18 items, but the fresh vegetables are always welcomed.

Leimer raises his wide array of crops adjacent to his home in Fruitland. He tends most of it in a 100-square foot garden. He works six to eight hours a week in the garden.

His lettuce and radishes were planted in February. In March, the potatoes were planted along a host of other vegetables and some fruits. His winter onions are more than a foot tall now.

"I like to keep busy," said Leimer. "It's the Lord's will that we don't waste a thing."

For Leimer, that holds true both for his vegetables and his time.

KINDNESS 2000

Who can sign up as a Random Acts of Kindness participant?

Anyone. In year's past, participants have been entire cities, churches, businesses, organizations, families and individuals. Signing up means you agree to do a kind act during the week. Names will run on the front page of the newspaper. Last year we handed out 45,000 free stickers and 25,000 bookmarks.

When should I sign up?

Starting Monday, participants may register, request information or order free Kindness supplies. The form can be found in today's paper and will run most days between now and May 14.

What free Random Acts of Kindness supplies are available?

We have smiling Random Acts of Kindness stickers, bookmarks, participation signs, a list of suggested kind acts and sign-up sheets. Informational packets, including samples of these items, are available. Call the newspaper at 335-6611 or stop by at 301 Broadway with requests.

How do I nominate someone for a kindness story?

Simply call the Southeast Missourian at 335-6611 and ask for Joni Adams. Full pages in the newspaper during Random Acts of Kindness week will be devoted to kind people who perform kind acts throughout the year.

Why is kindness limited to a single week?

Kindness is certainly not limited to a single week. The Southeast Missourian sponsors Random Acts of Kindness Week as a way to raise awareness about importance of small kindnesses each and every day. This marks the fifth year in a row for the local celebration.