The community of Water Valley is coming together to honor the memory of Timothy Holmes, an 11-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a drowning accident.

In his memory, the Timothy Community Garden is being established within the Community Park, a project aimed at fostering unity, growth and empowerment.

The groundbreaking event for the Timothy Community Garden is set for 9 a.m. on June 9 at the park. Refreshments and gardening supplies will be provided for volunteers.

Holmes died on June 13, 1996, at Suzie Perry Creek.

To keep his spirit alive, Jason Bailey, an Air Force veteran and founder of Vets for Youth, along with Army veteran John Holmes have taken the lead on this project. Bailey, a childhood friend of Timothy’s, shares a profound love for nature and a strong desire to give back to the community.

“Tim and I spent countless hours outdoors, exploring and appreciating the beauty of nature,” Bailey said. “This garden is a tribute to those memories and a way to bring people together to create something beautiful and lasting.”

The Timothy Community Garden will feature over 20 raised garden beds, providing a space for local residents to cultivate fresh produce, learn about sustainable gardening, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nature.

However, the success of this project depends on the collective effort of the community. Volunteers are urgently needed to help build and maintain the garden beds, ensuring this vision becomes a reality.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Bailey at Vets for Youth or visit the organization’s website.