This week, the Oxford Community Market and volunteers from several organizations embraced the spirit of giving in a fresh way.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, nearly 80 volunteers joined forces to pack 200 bags of fresh, locally sourced produce for the Oxford Food Pantry as part of the Harvest Angel Project.

AmeriCorps VISTA program development specialist Amya Franklin said the project aims to bring the community together to support families in need.

“We have almost 80 volunteers,” Franklin said. “This year, we’re packing and distributing fresh greens, sweet potatoes, baked goods, and more, all donated by our OXCM farmers. Our goal is to help at least 200 families.”

Volunteers worked tirelessly to weigh and organize thousands of pounds of fresh produce, breaking it down into individual bags. A card-writing station allowed them to include personal notes of encouragement for the recipients.

On Tuesday evening, the bags were delivered to the Oxford Food Pantry, ready to be distributed to local families the following morning.

Last year, the Harvest Angel Project packed and donated over 6,000 pounds of produce, and this year’s efforts are expected to surpass that impressive total.