A Simpsonville nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser is helping children with autism and other neurodivergent abilities build skills, confidence and community — one pumpkin at a time.
By Josh P. Crotzer
Before they arrive in Simpsonville, the pumpkins at the Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch begin as seeds in rich soil. They are watered, tended and protected until they grow into the colorful gourds that draw families to the patch each fall.
It’s a journey Lu Grant is familiar with. Grant is not a farmer. She is the director of The Little White House, a skill-building center in Simpsonville for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with neurodivergent abilities.
For families who visit the patch each fall, the pumpkins are only part of the draw. Each sale helps The Little White House give students the chance to practice independence, work skills and community connection in places that know them by name.
Grant’s accompanying nonprofit, Friends of the Little White House, is also the organization behind the Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch, now in its 22nd year and the biggest fundraiser on its calendar. Laurens Electric Cooperative has served as the event’s primary sponsor for several years. Each September, volunteers unload thousands of pumpkins to be sold to families across Simpsonville, Mauldin and Fountain Inn.
“This truly is a product of dedication,” says Grant, a Simpsonville native. “So much love and effort goes into making sure these kids feel loved on.”
The same could be said of the programs the Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch supports. The Little White House serves children ages 9 to 18 by helping them build daily living, communication and job skills. Students also go into town for real-world practice, such as putting stickers on cups at Simpsonville’s Ice Cream Station or cleaning the Simpsonville Rotary Hall.
“There is not a business in downtown Simpsonville that does not know them, probably by name,” says Grant. “I don’t want them to be limited.”
When Emily Bailey was diagnosed with autism at age 3, the limitations doctors predicted for her felt overwhelming to her parents, Randy and Nikki Bailey. Nonverbal at the time, she began going to The Little White House a year later. Emily is now a sophomore at Anderson University, where she is studying special education because she wants to teach children on the spectrum.
“Without The Little White House, she would not be where she is today,” says Nikki. “She takes care of herself, drives and is doing great at college.”
John Houston Mills also came to The Little White House at age 4, unable to verbally communicate. A few years later, he stood in church and sang “This Little Light of Mine,” bringing everyone in the room to tears.
“He is now 16 and has made so much progress,” says Leslie Mills, John Houston’s mother, who also runs the organization’s Pottery Project. “I can’t fathom where we would be if it had not been for The Little White House.”
Stories like Emily and John Houston’s are why the Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch is more than a fundraiser. The long-standing community event marks the beginning of fall, benefits The Little White House, Boy Scout Troop 158 and other local nonprofits, and gives visitors plenty to find alongside the pumpkins, corn stalks and mums, including hand-painted “funky pumpkins” made by Little White House students, concession stands and a family movie night.
“You have generations of people coming to this pumpkin patch year after year,” Grant says. “I’ve seen children grow up and bring their children.”
Want to Go?
The Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch will sell pumpkins and other fall items Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 at Simpsonville Methodist Church on Main Street. Approximately 2,000 pumpkins are available at this year’s location.
Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Photos provided by Friends of the Little White House.