Feeding Many, Inc. invited the public for a day to serve on August 1, to complete the fence around the community orchard they started in April. Shirl Smith, President and CEO of Feeding Many, said they had approximately 75 volunteers help finish the task.
 
"I would like to thank each and every person who has dedicated time to this community orchard project -- it is much needed in our area," said Smith.

Several organizations were present to donate their time or goods, including five churches from the area and the Home Depot (Morrison Store). Starbucks donated hot coffee in the morning, and Papa Johns brought lunch.

The orchard is doing well with the amount of moisture the area has received this summer. Among the produce that will be ready for harvesting this fall will be Yellow Yukon Potatoes, and Red Potatoes. "Through a great deal of skepticism, this Orchard is in place, and will be of great need by people struggling in these hard economic times we all live in today," said Smith.

The next big project in the Orchard is to lay the stone in the center for the cross, along with solar lights. The project is planned for Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. Spring of 2010 will bring the planting of approximately 170 more trees, and 50 more grapes to bring the Orchard to it's full fruition. Feeding Many would is also investigating the placing of three solar green houses on the south east side of the Community Fruit Orchard it can be sustainable 12 months out of the year.

The Feeding Many Web site, www.feedingmany.org, will have volunteer opportunities, educational opportunities, times and dates for workshops on canning, and helpful tips on gardening, fertilization and useful recipes for fresh produce. You can also donate money via a secure connection to Feeding Many.