The Selma Times-Journal

A dedication ceremony was held Saturday morning at the United Methodist Children’s Home for the first group of Yoshima cherry trees that have been planted as memorials.

The trees were planted by families who have made a donation to the chapel at the home.

Two of the trees were donated by the Selma Garden Club last year. &8220;That’s what gave us the idea for this project,&8221; Galloway said.

The tree planting project helps in three ways, he said. First, it allows people to donate something that will have a permanent place at the children’s home.

Secondly, the donation for the memorials goes toward the spiritual development program for the children. That includes purchase of Bibles and study materials.

Third, by planting on the perimeter of the property, the plantings will help beautify downtown Selma, Galloway said.

Of course, the newly-planted trees are young, and will take a while to fill out, he said.

The Children’s Home is currently accepting $500 or more donations for the second round of plantings. The donations can be made as memorials, or in honor of someone.

For more information, contact the children’s home at 875-7283.

There are currently about 50 children living on the premises of the children’s home, located on Dallas Avenue. The campus also houses a daycare center, a small school and central offices. United Methodist Children’s Home has six other group homes, as well as foster homes, transitional care and family counseling programs throughout Alabama and Northwest Florida.

For more information, check out their Web site at www.umch.net.