As many of you know, volunteerism is so important to a thriving community. Thank you for your past support of Hands On Asheville-Buncombe and our community partners through your volunteer or volunteer leader efforts. Let's take a look at the impact Hands On volunteers can have...

Last school year, our staff at Enka Middle Community School and sixth grade counselor Wendy Cuellar launched "Girls In Charge," a club uniquely focused on health, leadership, body-acceptance, and empowerment for sixth grade girls. The students selected lacked confidence, or seemed to be struggling with transition to middle school life. Six United Way Women's Leadership Council members volunteered each week to deliver lessons, and serve as positive female role models..

One sixth grader, Kendall, tried her best to keep to herself, and became easily defensive when addressed by other students. However, after joining the "Girls in Charge" club, Kendall learned how to have positive relationships with other students, her confidence increased, and she became open about her feelings and thoughts, especially sharing positive thoughts about herself, something she didn't do before the club.

Kendall is just one individual who has been impacted by Hands On volunteers, but as you know, there's still more work to be done in our community.
  

However, we can't run on volunteer power alone. Hand On is financially supported through United Way's Community Investment Fund. We hope you'll consider donating a gift to the Community Investment Fund to help us create even more opportunities for volunteers to make a difference; opportunities like the Community School Initiative, Teacher's Pet Flex Project and MLK National Day of Service to name a few. 

 

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe's 2014 Back-to-School Supply Drive was a tremendous success! Our community responded beyond expectations to help local students who can't afford school supplies start the school year equipped to succeed. Hands On is proud to announce that a record 1100 fully-stocked backpacks were assembled and distributed to low-income elementary and middle school students. Hands On thanks all of the local companies and individual donors who contributed supplies, as well as the volunteers who donated more than 100 hours of sorting and packing.  Thank you!!

Click here to learn more and check out a photo gallery!

Eliada's annual Corn Maze has become a fall tradition for many families with its maze trails, hay rides, corn cannon targets, and storybook trail for younger children.This year's Corn Maze runs from September 5th-October 26th every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Volunteer shifts are three hours long with roles ranging from "guides" explaining rules to guests as they enter the corn maze, to attendants at one of our attractions, to ticket sales support. Volunteers will receive a snack and two free tickets to return and enjoy the Corn Maze as a guest!   Click here to learn more about this opportunity and sign-up for one or multiple shifts. 

Michelle Larocque has volunteered at Eliada Home for years.  Initially known as a dedicated Corn Maze volunteer (since she volunteered nearly every weekend for two months straight!), Michelle more recently expressed interest in continuing to volunteer in new and meaningful ways.  This past Christmas she created two craft activities for children and families to do at Eliada's Christmas party.  They were both a huge hit!  And more recently, she volunteered at the Eliada School of Trade Arts graduation, where four former foster youth received their certificates in Culinary Arts and stepped out into the world as adults.  Read more about Michelle!

Our Partner Agencies offer great ways to get involved each month.  We've highlighted a few below.