By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

School might be out for the Christmas break, but some students are still at work offering time to help the community.

The CCHS FFA is hosting an opportunity for community members to come pick purple top turnips and mustard greens on Dec. 22 from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The event will be held at the organization’s field at 5686 County Road 41 in Clanton. If it rains or there is other inclement weather on Dec. 22, the event will be postponed to Dec. 24 from 8 – 9:30 a.m.

“It’s a free community u-pick,” FFA advisor Marlon Harton said.

Those interested in participating can harvest up to two bundles. For those who may not be able or willing to pick their own, FFA students will be on hand to pick the vegetables for a $3 donation per bundle.

Participants need to bring a container to transport the vegetables in. Harton also recommended wearing boots.

Harton said the event is a part of the group’s agreement with Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama.

FFA and agricultural students have been planting in the field and learning through the harvest for six years.

“We were doing this, and the Community Action (Partnership) got with us … four years ago and got us some funding for seeds, fertilizers and pesticides,” Harton said.

In exchange for the funding for the program, the CCHS FFA offers some of the harvest to those served by the Community Action Partnership and other community members.

“We try to do something in the summer and the fall where people can come out to the field,” Harton said.

In July, 52 people participated in the FFA’s sweet corn giveaway.

Harton said the partnership has benefitted the students “tremendously.”

Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama has also contributed to raised garden beds for CCHS and projects for other FFAs in the county.