Mirror staff reports:

The Light of Christ Community Garden had its dedication Sept. 16 in Federal Way.

The community garden, located at 21st Avenue SW and SW 344th Street, broke ground last September and is already helping families and seniors in need, even though it is not yet fully completed.

Boy Scout Troop 336 has partnered with the garden and so far, three of Troop 336’s boys have completed their Eagle projects in the garden.

The completed Eagle projects were done by Joshua Preiser (he designed and built an information kiosk), Paul Jaquish (he designed and built two handicap-accessible raised garden beds) and Jason Parks (he built an arbor that surrounds the center of the garden). Steven Sanders and Mike Van Orden also contributed projects to the garden.

This is the seventh community garden built in the city of Federal Way and is an example of how people from all walks of life have come together to support those less fortunate in our community.

At the Sept. 16 dedication, project manager Jim Cox reminisced that 364 days ago, it was a rainy, cold day for the groundbreaking of The Light of Christ Community Garden.

On a bright sunny morning, Pastor Ted Werfelmann from Light of Christ Lutheran Church opened the dedication ceremony with a prayer and a song by members of the church.

Troop 336 presented the colors. Eagle Scout Projects are located in this garden include those from Josh Preiser, Paul Jaquish, Jason Parks, Steven Sanders and Mike Van Orden.

Mayor Skip Priest was in attendance, as well as five Federal Way City Council members.

Mike Stanley, executive director of the Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation, proclaimed The Light of Christ Community Garden accomplishes this mission statement:

Federal Way Community Gardens will bring the community together to create and maintain a garden that will provide organic vegetables and fruit for citizens in need. Volunteers will gain gardening skills, create friendships, and support good nutrition.

The goal of the Light of Christ Community Garden is to cultivate the spirit of community, neighborhood and diversity by growing food collaboratively and sustainably. Organic gardening will be practiced and the harvest will be donated to the needy in the Federal Way community.

The garden will hold approximately 40 raised beds, eight of which will be built at a height to accommodate people with limited mobility. There will be an area of reflection with a fountain and framing a view of Mt. Rainer, along with an area for education.

To help at the garden by volunteering, or to donate in-kind services or money, contact Jim Cox at jim.e.cox@comcast.net or (253) 952-8339. Sponsorships of garden elements/beds and purchasing engraved bricks are available.

More photos from the Sept. 16 dedication:

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Bruce Honda and Melissa Preiser contributed photos and information for this report.