Sharing the Harvest

What if buying a bag of apples could change a life halfway around the world? That's the idea behind Sharing the Harvest — a collaborative mission project rooted right here at Wiley Heights Covenant Church. Since 2012, this partnership between Pacific Northwest churches, Yakima Valley growers, and generous volunteers has raised over $250,000 to support agricultural mission work in communities facing poverty and food insecurity. Right now, that work is helping women and girls in West Pokot, Kenya build sustainable livelihoods — and the community is well on its way to standing on its own.

How It Works

Each fall, participating churches across Washington and Oregon pre-sell fresh Yakima apples — Cosmic Crisp, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and more — at $10–$15 per 10-pound bag. Local growers donate the fruit. Volunteers pack and transport the orders. Your purchase directly benefits the mission in Kenya.

It all comes together on Packing Day — held each year on the last Saturday of October right here at Wiley Heights. It's become one of the most anticipated gatherings in the Pacific Northwest Conference, and it's easy to see why. Churches from across Washington and Oregon come together to bag apples, hear about the impact in Kenya, and share a BBQ lunch prepared by our own congregation.

The day is as much about family fun as it is about mission. Kids can help press fresh apple cider and take some home, climb on tractors, decorate pumpkins, and play in leaf piles with a view across the valley. There's room for everyone — and Yakima in late October is usually sunny, dry, and just crisp enough to feel like fall.

The Work in Kenya

The proceeds support Jitokeze Wamama Wafrika, a community-based organization in West Pokot County, northwestern Kenya. Jitokeze works to break cycles of poverty by equipping women and girls with tools for sustainable livelihoods — through small lending groups, tailoring and business training, peacebuilding programs, and climate resilience initiatives. Their work is backed by Covenant World Relief & Development and Growing Hope Globally.

Get Involved

Whether you want to order apples, bring your church into the project, or just show up for Packing Day — there's a place for you. Visit sharing-the-harvest.com to learn more, place an order, or register your congregation.