The volunteers came from Waynesville Troop 30098 and Asheville Troop 30089 and ranged in age from 7 to 14. The apples they picked went to nine different recipient locations, each of which serves food-insecure Haywood County residents.

The day was organized in cooperation with the Haywood Gleaners, a group that connects with growers to get any produce that would be left to rot after harvest into the hands of those who need it. Haywood Gleaners is affiliated with the Society of St. Andrews, a national nonprofit whose mission is to feed the hungry.

“I felt very accomplished and empowered by the thought that I could do something like this to help people,” said Asheville troop member Gates. Girl Scout policy requires that scouts be identified by their first name only. “I would 100 percent encourage working with the Haywood Gleaners again.”

Haywood Gleaners is always looking for volunteers to help pick and transport produce, and local orchard owners, home gardeners and commercial produce growers willing to allow gleaning. Sign up at www.haywoodgleaners.org.