For six years now, one young Montana man has been working with his dad on the family farm to make sure others can enjoy the traditions of fall while helping a good cause.
About 14 miles northwest of Vaughn, its early Autumn, and 22-year old Jordan Schroeder and his dad are busy preparing hundreds of pumpkins for distribution. For the CMR graduate and special Olympics athlete, it’s a way of saying thanks to the surrounding communities that have given so much to him. “We were motivated to do this to kind of give back,” said Phil Schroeder, Jordan’s dad. “To return to some of the folks who have helped us out and helped Jordan out.” The event is called ‘Jordan’s Pumpkins for a Cause.’ It continues the tradition of spending a Saturday afternoon giving out free pumpkins for a donation.
Each year money raised helps a different non-profit organization. Last year they raised $4,400 dollars for Eagle Mount.
This year proceeds benefit the Great Falls Rescue Mission. "We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to get the word out about what we do at the Rescue Mission and to raise some money,” said Jim McCormick, Executive Director of the Great Falls Rescue Mission. “ No thing is too big or too small, and its that time of year when people start thinking about pumpkins.”
Like previous years, pumpkin recipients can pick their own pumpkin from a patch on the farm.
For those with COVID 19 concerns, they can still enjoy the experience without leaving their car. “We’ll have an area set up for that with some pumpkins on some bales,” said Phil. “some volunteers will be there and you can point out what you’d like and they will load those into your vehicle for you, you don’t have to get out.”
In addition to picking the perfect pumpkins, people who come out on Saturday can enjoy hay rides and popcorn, all while social distancing.
“Jordan’s Pumpkins for a Cause” is Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 87 Meridian Lane northwest of Vaughn. To get there, head west from Vaughn on Highway 89, turning north on 89 at the junction with Highway 200. At Dracut Hill Road, look for signs pointing you to the pumpkin patch.
For those wanting to support Jordan’s efforts and not able to attend the event, you can make a donation with a check payable to Great Falls Rescue Mission with "Pumpkins for a Cause" in the memo and send them to: Great Falls Rescue Mission, 408 2nd Avenue South, PO Box 129, Great Falls, 59403. Online donations are also possible at: gfrm.org; click the donate button, type in “Pumpkins for a Cause” in the Tribute Information block.
