Local News

Young gardener uses produce for flood aid

WELLSBURG -- While riding through the mud-covered streets of Follansbee in his mother's car, 8-year-old Aiden Cooper got the idea to lend a hand, including his green thumb, to those affected by the recent flood.

Cooper's mother, Kara, said her son was astonished by the debris that remained after Allegheny Creek flooded, numerous storm drains backed up and runoff flowed heavily from hillsides above the city on July 30.

"It looked terrible," Aiden said of the scene, describing it as "all dirt and mud."

"He told me, 'Mom, we've got to do something,'" Kara said.

Aiden decided to sell the produce from his own garden, as well as lemonade and water, and generated more than $200 for the Follansbee Flood Relief Fund through sales conducted on two days at the Brooke County Farmers Market.

Aiden took his vegetables to the Wellsburg and Follansbee locations and found many patrons gave more than he had priced them.

"One of them gave me $100," he said, noting other vendors at the markets supported his effort.

Aiden said upon hearing of his booth, "A girl brought a big tote with batteries, toothpaste, deodorant and other supplies for the flood victims."

Aiden began helping his parents and grandparents with their own gardens at an early age. Last year he started his own 8 foot by 8 foot garden after joining the Brooke County West Virginia University Extension Service's Kids Garden Club and was among winners of the group's contest.

He has grown potatoes, tomatoes, onions, zucchini and squash.

The club was inactive this year, but Ruth Brown, its coordinator, has asked him to aid her in heading it next year, including recruiting new members.

Aiden said the mid-August start for the school year has made it more difficult for him to maintain his garden, but his mother and father, David, and grandparents have agreed to help while he is at school.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)