GIBSONVILLE, N.C. — The sunshine was bright over the Guilford County farm on a crisp, cool Saturday morning.

Madison Murray has been a communications student at N.C. A&T for the last three years. But Saturday, the senior stepped away from the desk for something different.

 

What You Need To Know

The Big Pick is an annual grape harvest

Guilford County hosts the event and asks volunteers to come out and pick

The grapes go to local food banks, pantries, shelters and nonprofits

 

“We’re out here at The Big Pick. We’re actually with a nonprofit organization called Lewis Gives, and we do community service for people in the Triad area,” Murray said. "And, you know, we just wanted to start Saturday off on a good note with some community service.”

Murray was one of dozens of volunteers who came out to The Big Pick, an event where the county asks its residents to come and harvest grapes.

Murray, in particular, was hard to miss as she sported a pair of white Crocs on a dewy morning.

“My feet are definitely comfortable. They’re warm. I got my socks with them!” she said with a laugh. “I usually volunteer in my Crocs for some reason. I don’t know why. They’re just a good volunteer shoe!”

Some people like the outdoors, some like volunteering their time and some just like to be together on a beautiful morning.

“Just definitely a good feeling when you get to come out and, of course, serve the community. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity since we are in COVID,” Murray said. “A lot of opportunities have been cut short but since we still get to do things like this, I really just try to come out when I can and just do my part.”

The grapes they pick aren’t for the pickers though. From the vine to the bucket, they go to people who need it.

The county gives the grapes to local food banks, shelters and nonprofits to help fight food insecurity.

“Oh, it feels really good, like I know I’m definitely putting my hands to a great cause. That’s something I try to do very often as a college student,” Murray said. ”I just think, like, the mission of this is really awesome.”

If you missed this Big Pick, Guilford County is looking for volunteers for one more harvest next Saturday.