Community Volunteers Harvest 4,000 Oranges
at Historic L. Ron Hubbard Home
Arcadia Osborn neighborhood — January 10, 2026 — Over 100 neighbors and Girl
Scouts came together at the historic L. Ron Hubbard Home on Osborn Road for the 1st
Annual Orange Tree Harvest, collecting 4,000 oranges from 36 trees for St. Mary’s
Food Bank in just over an hour.
St. Mary’s Food Bank praised the effort: “We are truly grateful for your support and for
the care taken to ensure that all items donated were of high quality.” Osborn Road
neighbor, Carrie, called the event “wonderful.”
Volunteers of all ages worked side by side to ensure no fruit went to waste. Girl Scouts
earned a special “Fruit Picking” patch, while other volunteers received an orange as a
token of appreciation.
April Bivins, director of the Osborn Road home, said, “The historic home maintains an
orange orchard, an original feature of the property when Mr. Hubbard was here and part
of Arcadia’s heritage. With the help of the local community and volunteers we pride
ourselves in being able to provide high-quality citrus to local foodbanks that benefit
communities throughout Phoenix.”
Author, humanitarian, and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard moved to Phoenix in
March 1952, residing at 5501 N. 44th Street, now the L. Ron Hubbard House at
Camelback—where he founded the Scientology religion. The home, listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, has been restored to the time of Mr. Hubbard’s
residency. In 1954, he moved to 4451 E. Osborn Road, where he continued his
research, writings, and lectures. The Osborn Road home has also been restored and
retains its original architectural features as a private residence. While in Phoenix,
Hubbard codified Scientology’s principles, authored key texts, and delivered over 600
lectures at venues including the Phoenix Little Theatre, Westward Ho, and Monroe
School.
Featured Photo: A young volunteer harvests an orange during the 1 st Annual Tree Harvest at the
L. Ron Hubbard Osborn Road home.