[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1804-E1805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       JOSEPHINE HINMAN'S GARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding citizen 
in my community. Josephine Hinman, of Fallbrook, CA devotes her life to 
attacking hunger. Josephine grows and then donates some 12,000 bags of 
fruit and vegetables a year to feed the poor, all from her own garden. 
For 64 years, Josephine Hinman has selflessly given both her time and 
energy so that others may benefit.
  Growing up during the Depression, Josephine learned early on how hard 
it can be to keep food on the table in tough times. Helping her family 
maintain a large garden, they grew enough to get by and help others in 
the neighborhood. Today, Josephine is still taking care of her garden, 
and still taking good care of the less fortunate in her community.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation is beginning to rediscover the power of local 
solutions. For far too long, the Washington bureaucrats have insisted 
that the only way to help those in need

[[Page E1805]]

is to create another Government program and bankroll it with endless 
taxpayer dollars. People like Josephine Hinman are showing Washington 
that no matter how much taxpayer money you throw at a problem, little 
is ever accomplished without the warmth and compassion of caring 
citizens.
  Josephine Hinman's story is truly inspiring. Her selfless work should 
encourage each and every one of us to reflect on how we may better 
serve others. Most of us learned very young in life that we share a 
responsibility to help our neighbors and care for our community. As I 
visit with and learn about those who do remarkable works throughout my 
district, I continue to be convinced that volunteering is much more 
than a responsibility. Having the time, talents, and ability to 
brighten the lives of others is actually one of life's greatest 
privileges. The joy with which Josephine Hinman continues to keep her 
garden open to all is solid proof of that.

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