EIU Media Relations

Rain Barrels Available -- First-come, First-served -- on Saturday, May 11

Eastern Illinois University’s Office of Sustainability and Student Community Service will give out free rain barrels (on a first-come, first-served basis) on Saturday, May 11.

Distribution will take place at the site of the Giving Garden, located at the VFW Way Park, located at 1821 20th St. behind the Charleston VFW lodge.

Representatives will be giving out free rain barrels from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a very limited supply, so interested persons are asked to arrive early.

The Giving Garden is a partnership between the city of Charleston and EIU.  It is believed that, in the midst of an increasing local food crisis, every resident should be given access to fresh, healthy produce.  Organizers will grow vegetables in the garden, and work with organizations such as the Charleston Food Pantry and the Eastern Illinois Food Bank to ensure that the produce grown will benefit the community.

This event is the kick-off to the Giving Garden, which will be planted over the next two weeks.  Any groups or individuals who would like to help or support this initiative are asked to contact Rachel Fisher, director of Student Community Service, at 217-581-3967 or via email at volunteer@eiu.edu.