| Hands On Asheville-Buncombe Volunteer Newsletter August 2010 | |
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Dear Hands On Volunteer,
In just a few short weeks, summer break will come to an end for area students and a new school year will begin! Thanks to everyone who participated in our Back-to-School Supply Drive. We're still sorting through the generous piles of supplies, but are certain that we will be able to outfit over 500 students with new backpacks! This is also the perfect time to find a volunteer opportunity with a local school or organization to help these students succeed in and out of the classroom. From volunteering to help lead a Girl Scout troop to tutoring math at an afterschool homework club, Hands On lists a variety of ongoing opportunities to make an impact in the life of a local student. Click here to learn more. |
| Day of Caring 2010 |
 Day of Caring
On one day this September, over a thousand volunteers will make a huge impact in Asheville by giving their time and energy to area nonprofits and schools during our largest service event of the year! Do you want to be part of this amazing effort?
Click here to let us know that you're interested in participating!
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| Hands On Managed Projects |
 Hands On Managed Projects usually last 2-3 hours, generally occur on evenings and weekends, and don't require a long term commitment. These projects are managed by Hands On and led by trained volunteer Project Coordinators. Sign up today!
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| Hands On Spotlight: Fair Trade Stock-Up |
 Hands On proudly highlights our Managed Projects and the amazing volunteers that make them happen each month. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit, fair-trade retail store that sells handcrafted items made by artisans in more than 30 developing countries providing them with much needed income. "Fair Trade Stock-Up" volunteers unpack and price merchandise so it can be placed on the Ten Thousand Villages downtown sales floor. Learn more and sign up!
"Fair Trade Stock-Up" is one of our most popular Managed Projects, and is led by three outstanding Project Coordinators: Sharon Port, Bonnie Carlin and Annie Price. Sharon leads a Saturday morning project, while both Bonnie and Annie lead mid-week late afternoon projects. Bonnie likens the "Fair Trade Stock-Up" experience to Christmas every month! You just never know what exotic "treasure" you'll unpack that made it's way half-way around the world to the Asheville store. Hands On volunteer Mary Bradt recently spent a Tuesday afternoon at Bonnie's project. "I liked that the work kept us busy for the entire time. It's really satisfying to accomplish so much, and know that I'm helping this shop in supporting artisans around the world." |
| More Volunteer Opportunities | |
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| Partner Agency Special Projects & Events |
Our Partner Agencies are offering great ways to get involved this month. Click on "learn more" for project details and to express interest in a project. RiverLink needs volunteers at RiverFest 2010! Tasks include raft race put-in and take-out , parking attendants on-site and at satellite sites, and recycling & litter pickup. Shifts are available throughout the day. Learn more.
Town of Black Mountain Parks needs volunteers to support their Community Garden. Volunteers will help with planting and maintaining crops grown for donation to families in need in the Swannanoa Valley. Tasks vary weekly and may include planting, weeding, harvesting, mulching, and other garden projects. Learn more.
Volunteer with Asheville GreenWorks on your lunch hour to create a healthy body and a healthy environment at the same time! Lunchtime Litter cleanups are a workout with heavy bags and distances walked, and the impact you make as you go benefits the environment and community. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Learn more. |
| Gulf Coast Volunteer & Recovery Efforts |
All 4 Gulf states affected by the oil spill (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida) will certainly need significant financial & volunteer support to recover from this disaster. As this disaster continues to evolve, Hands On will keep you updated if/when response opportunities become available. Click here to learn how you can give your time or resources today! |
| Be a Local Leader |
The Asheville City Council is looking for citizens who want to get involved and make a difference. The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday, July 7th, so beat the rush and apply now! The following boards currently have vacancies:
- ADA Compliance Committee
- River District Design Review Committee
- Tourism Development Authority
To find out more about these volunteer board positions, and to download an application visit the Asheville City Council's Board & Commission website. If you need more information or just want to discuss a board with a City Council member, contact the City Clerk's Office at 259-5601. |
| LIVE UNITED |
 As the volunteer program of United Way, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is committed to bringing people together to strengthen our community through meaningful volunteer action.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is sending out the call to action to LIVE UNITED. Through GIVING, ADVOCATING and VOLUNTEERING, we know we can create opportunities for a good life for all. United Way focuses on the three building blocks that must be in place for a person to be successful: EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH. We support programs in these areas by providing funding as well as outlets for people to raise their voices and lend their muscles. It's about advancing the common good. |
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 Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is a program of United Way that makes
it easy for individuals and groups to give back to the community.
We invite you to take a moment and sign up for a project today!
Sincerely,
Charlie Lee and Sarah Wohlmuth
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe Staff
Be the Change. Volunteer.
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Hands On is pleased to list more than 200 volunteer opportunities managed by our Partner Agencies. With new opportunities added every month, there is sure to be one that will interest you!
View projects that are youth-friendly: 