The program's van, which was also used to take children home from group activities, caught on fire after electric wires started smoking under the dashboard, said Nana Robinson, youth coordinator. Robinson said she had just dropped off students after a field trip last week when the engine caught fire minutes later.

"Everyone was scared to drive it because the van has been in and out of the shop," said Robinson, 32. "I was really thankful it didn't happen on the freeway and that none of the kids were inside."

In 1998, Marston Campbell Community Garden, next to Lafayette Elementary School, opened to the neighborhood kids, said Dorothee Noyon, co-director. Since then, OBUGS has opened four community gardens throughout West Oakland, where residents can pick fresh vegetables and learn how to garden in their own yards.

Michelle Lieberman teaches OBUG classes on ecology, insects and nutrition to Lafayette Elementary School students.

"Every day, I see something creative," Lieberman said. "Most of these kids almost have no contact with the natural world."

The program shows young children how to turn garden waste in to soil by composting old vegetables, fruit peelings and soil for reuse. Some 300 children visit each garden a week, said Noyon, who oversees OBUGS programs.

"We are asking for donations to buy a new van so we can transport our students to the gardens and schools," said Noyon. "We had to cancel a class because we didn't have a way to take them to the gardens."

Noyon said she hopes to raise the money as soon as possible to avoid canceling classes and to prepare for the program's summer camp.

"The gardens give the kids access to vegetables, and they learn how to plant vegetables and flowers," said Noyon, who dreams of having a community garden on every block. "Kids need a safe place to play, to have picnics, festivals and other community activities."

The program holds a summer camp, a six-week project where kids garden and learn how to recycle, said Noyon. The Youth Opportunity through Butterflies and Urban Gardens program allows teenagers to participate as camp counselors and role models for the younger kids, Noyon said.

"We're desperate to get a new van," Noyon said. "We don't want to cancel or cut short any more classes."

For more information on donating, contact OBUGS at (510) 676-7102.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
(510) 208-6477 Fax
lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email