"Here it comes!" the excited group called out as they stood  watching the new Kubota tractor and implements come rolling into the driveway of Victory Home. This tractor's purchase and arrival at Victory Home was the culmination of a one-month fundraiser led by St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton.

  A spirited celebration of this incredible moment included The Rev. Doris Graf Smith, Priest-in-Charge show presented a check to Victory Home. Kathy Booker, Parish Nurse at St. James and organizer of the “Tractor Dream”, followed with passing the check James Short Tractor & Equipment of Alto, GA. Pastor Doris+ also offered a blessing on the assembled group, and on the new tractor, with a prayer of thanksgiving.

The project began when residents at Victory Home decided they wanted to have a garden with fresh vegetables they could cook and eat. Unfortunately the tools and equipment were not available to make that at happen. However, the idea and possibility for such a garden didn’t go away. Booker kept thinking about what could happen if…

She shared the need with Pastor Doris+, Peggy Melton, Outreach Committee Chair and Ginny Heckel, Chair of Communications at St. James, along with a few other folks at St. James.  Suddenly a plan was put into motion. The idea gained momentum as people began to view the garden as a way to support the men at Victory Home, in their recovery from substance abuse. They could learn new skills, work in a garden   setting, and enjoy being in the outdoors. A garden that could impact their lives for years to come.

But a tractor? What kind? How much? Where to start?

Neil  King of James Short Tractors & Equipment was contacted and helped the committee decide what was needed, available, and how much it would cost. A goal of $24,000 was then set, but there was one small catch. To get that price, the money had to be raised, and the tractor purchased in one months' time. $24,000 in a month? Really? Yes, $24,000 in 30 days!

The following Sunday, Booker told about how St. James became involved with Victory Home, years prior (read the whole story here).

The tractor fund started with a challenge gift, then numerous individual contributions followed. Two special grants were received from Mike Hammer, Lake Burton Civic Association Grant Chair­ per son; and Steve Raebel, Executive Director of the Lake Rabun Foundation (Lake Rabun Association). Other donors included Andy's Market, Chick­fil-a , Headwaters Master Gardeners._ and UGA   _ Extension Service agents, John Scaduto (Rabun County) and Steven Patrick (Habersham County).

On the eve of our funding deadline, Chef, and St. James parishioner, Leon LeMoine, donated, cooked and oversaw (with support from a flock of delighted helpers) a sold-out 'Take­out Jambalaya Dinner' for the community. God's blessings were felt everywhere! More than a tractor or a garden, it was a gift unfolding

Praise the Lord! The goal was reached and exceeded, making it possible to purchase the complete package. This package included the tractor, tiller, front loader, bush hog, quick hitch and box blade for a total cost of $27,337.43.

St. James and Victory Home are overjoyed with gratitude and thanks to Rabun County and the Clayton community for their generous support of the tractor project.

Victory Home is located on 38 acres near  Tallulah Falls. They offer a six-month residential, faith-based program for men recovering from sub­ stance abuse. Additional information is available on the Victory Home website, https://victoryhome.org/, or by calling 706-754-6030.