1977
Since
80 Million
Pounds of Pears
Food Banks
Local Support
Disaster Relief
Worldwide
THE OPPORTUNITY
Turn One Hour Into Real Relief
This year, we have the chance to harvest 1.7 million pounds of pears—enough to help feed people who in need. But pears don’t pick themselves. If we don’t have enough hands during the tight harvest window, fruit can be left behind, and opportunities to relieve suffering get smaller. The good news is the impact multiplies quickly: when volunteers show up with willing hearts, a little time becomes a lot of help—and together, we can reach the goal.
How your willingness to help translates into impact:
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2026 goal: 1.7 million pounds—made possible through caring volunteers
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What it takes: about 11,350 donated hours to hit that goal
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Real impact per hour: about 150 lbs of pears or 83 cans of pears
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Why timing matters: the harvest timeline is tight—timing is everything
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Why you’re needed: pears need to be hand-picked by volunteers
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How it helps: these pears support people who are distressed, displaced, or otherwise at-risk
And if harvest season isn’t the right fit, there are also year-round volunteer opportunities for specialized help—keeping equipment and the orchard running so the next harvest can succeed.
THE DIFFERENCE
It's Your Time. Share It On Your Terms.
Like most people, you want to serve—you’re just busy. It can be challenging to match your tight schedule or sporadic availability within structured service opportunities. This is where The Medford Humanitarian Pear Orchard is unlike anything else you've experienced.
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Flexible volunteer windows—so individuals and groups can come when it works for their schedule.
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Choose the kind of work that matches your physical abilities and brings you the most joy.
PHOTO GALLERY
Could Our Volunteers Really Be This Happy?
TESTIMONIALS
Your Southern Oregon Neighbors LOVE Serving Here
Scott S.
I love serving in the orchard. I leave each day with a feeling like I have done something good in the world that day.
Emily B.
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Jared J.
The orchard during harvest time is such a unique, special place to be. It's structured yet flexible and you just feel you belong. It truly is a joyous experience.
Rick R.
I love that spending a few hours here can have an impact in my local community and in the world. It fills my cup, and helps fill the cupboards of people I will never meet.
HOW IT WORKS
It's Always A "Good Time" to Serve
Serving couldn’t be easier, more flexible, or more rewarding. Whether you drop in for simple ground picking or sign up for a specialized service, you’ll feel the “highest ROI” of doing good—because a little time here contributes a lot of relief.
During the August Harvest
Plan A:
Ground Picking
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Just show up during volunteer hours
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AM: Sunrise to 12pm Noon
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PM: 5pm to Sundown
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A friendly team is there to greet you and help you get started
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Pick pears and make a huge difference (don't forget to smile)
Plan B:
Specialized Service
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Choose a service opportunity based on your interests and abilities (including platform picking)
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Complete short training videos (when required for safety and operations)
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Serve with confidence—knowing you’re helping the harvest succeed
WAYS TO SERVE
Choose Your Preferred Way to Help
Ground Picking
During the 2-week August pear harvest, most volunteers age 11+ just show up during the pear harvest in August without scheduling or signing up.
Learn how to dress appropriately!
No sign-up necessary!
LOCATION