Menu     About Giving Groves:         Gleaning:           Volunteer Information:           Links:           Feedback & Forms:	How to Participate Whether you are a group or an individual you can contribute significantly to this project! Groups before the day: 1.  Look at the Next Gleaning page and sign up your group, or contact St. Timothy's coordinator Ralph Marchewka at (619) 708-5506 or e-mail Giving Groves to schedule a date that your group can pick. Picking is usually done on a Saturday from 9 - Noon, but can be done on a weekday as well. 2.  Find a place to meet to carpool on the morning of your picking date or arrange other transportation. Parking can be limited so please carpool where possible. 3.  Organize your organization! You will need to advertise the date and time. Feel free to request materials to help you get the word out. 4.  You will need approximately 15 people to make for a successful day. Make it a family event and/or friends bringing friends. 5.  Put together a sign up sheet for all who are going with telephone/email contact information so you can send reminders. 6.  Distribute the information sheet and participant permission/release form. Those under 18 will need to have the signature of a parent or guardian. These will need to be signed for each participant before entrance to the groves. They will be collected the day of the picking at the picking site by a Giving Groves staff member. 7.  3 – 5 days before the picking, a detailed map to the grove will be emailed; staff will meet you at the entrance for picking instructions, etc. See Everyone on the day for what to expect at the groves. Individuals before the day: 1.  Look at the Next Gleaning page for a suitable date, and sign up or contact St. Timothy's coordinator, Ralph Marchewka at (619) 708-5506 or e-mail Giving Groves. Picking is usually done on a Saturday from 9 - Noon, but can be done on a weekday as well. 2.  Complete the release form. Those under 18 will need to have the signature of a parent or guardian. These will need to be signed for each participant before entrance to the groves. They will be collected the day of the picking at the picking site by a Giving Groves staff member. 3.  3 – 5 days before the picking, a detailed map to the grove will be emailed; staff will meet you at the entrance for picking instructions, etc. See Everyone on the day for what to expect at the groves. Everyone on the day: 1.  Wear flat, comfortable shoes, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (you will!) 2.  Staff will meet you at the entrance to the grove for picking instructions etc. 3.  Bags, boxes, picking sticks and water will be provided at the groves. 4.  Bring water and sunscreen/hats.  Remember that these are people’s private homes, we don’t usually have access to bathrooms! 5.  We are responsible for all the sprinklers and trees in the groves:  please be careful and walk around sprinklers.  If one breaks by accident, please let your youth leader/group coordinator know so we can make arrangements to fix it.  We want to be able to come back next year! 6.  Please do not climb any ladders or any trees to pick fruit – there is plenty within reach.  There will be several wire pickers available for the tops of the trees. 7.  Oranges should be picked from the base of the orange:  grasp the orange from the top with the stem between your index and middle finger and pull GENTLY to the side. 8.  Pick oranges that are bright orange to mostly orange/some green – they will ripen in the bag. 9.  Please do not pick trees that have yellow CAUTION tape or go beyond a line of CAUTION tape.  10.  Take a plastic bag and fill it with about 5 lbs of fruit.  The bag should be heavy but not ready to break.  11.  Lightly tie the top of the bag and put it in a box located along the street. 12.  If you drop an orange onto the street or driveway please pick it up; trash bags will be provided. 13.  Each bag you pick goes to a family in need; how many families can you feed today!!!! HAVE FUN AND FEEL PROUD; YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING TO ENDING HUNGER IN SAN DIEGO! To download printable EVERONE on the Day Directions Click Here. To Sign Up, Click Here! Questions: Call Ralph Marchewka at (619) 708-5506 or e-mail Giving Groves