Thursday marked the grand opening of the “Purpose Garden” outside the Campus Family YMCA, a tribute to the memory of Erin Hook, who was killed in a traffic accident three years ago. Erin was the daughter of County Commissioner Ron Hook and his wife Robin. The project was envisioned and paid for by volunteers, through a campaign of donations.

Robin Hook was grateful for the outpouring from the community. “Ron and I and our family are just full of so much gratitude to this community, ” she said, “the outpouring of love and support through donations and in-kind works of people, and hugs and prayers, we could never thank people enough.”

Erin Hook’s love of family, friends and children, and especially teaching, prompted the design of the new Purpose Garden located at 3601 North Village Drive. The “little free library” is an enclosure full of books where anyone may stop by, pick up a book and bring back another to share.

“She was a kind person, who cared about children, and the little free library was just a perfect way to honor her, and show how much she loved teaching and children,” Robin Hook said.

The garden includes a memorial brick patio, a reading nook, and family gathering area. Suzanne King of the YMCA says they are still raising money to add a sail to provide shade in the paved section of the garden. You can also contribute by buying and engraving a brick with a message.

Anyone who wants to contribute can pick up a brochure at either YMCA in St. Joseph, call the fundraising committee chairman Bill Titcomb at (816) 344-2476, or visit the Go Fund Me page here.