The Shewfelts promoted their project to churches and synagogues, service clubs and schools. They spoke with farmers, private landowners and packinghouses. Slowly, their enthusiasm caught on. Others saw the benefit of salvaging excess crops or produce that doesn't meet market standards to donate to agencies that help the hungry. Now Polly and Gene, parents of two grown daughters, don't have to work the phone quite as much.
Farmers know whom to call when they're ready to plow under their fields.
And the Shewfelts, in turn, have a long list of volunteers eager to do their part. They wish they had more to help out during the week, and they also need drivers for distribution. Polly says there's no purpose in having faith and not putting it into action. Then you can see a difference in people's lives,'' says Polly, 73. The gleaners' good works have touched thousands of needy people over the past six years.