November 2014

Volunteer Challenge!

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we want to make sure everyone in the community knows about our services so we can connect more volunteers to causes they care about. Share this challenge with family, friends and co-workers!

From now until November 7 we'll pick three NEW users each week at random to receive a donated prize from area businesses including gift cards to restaurants, tickets to theater and music performances, prize packs from retailers and some truly only-in-Asheville prizes. Create an Account! Win Prizes!

'Tis the Season...

Give the Gift That Counts

The holiday season is approaching and Hands On is excited to offer a variety of volunteer & donation opportunities to support local agencies and their clients. Consider participating in a holiday opportunity with your family or friends!

View Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

**Keep checking back, as we will continue adding opportunities to our holiday listings throughout the season!

Hands On Partner of the Month: ABCCM

Christmas Angel Program

During the holidays, ABCCM identifies families in need of Christmas assistance. Consider sponsoring a local family for the holidays! Volunteers are invited to purchase new gifts to donate for any child age(0-18) to make their season brighter. Suggested gifts include NEW & UNWRAPPED toys or games. Other gifts needed are for teenagers such as personal care items, jewelry, wallets, craft kits or artwork supplies. These gifts must be NEW and UNWRAPPED. Donations accepted Dec. 1-24. This is a great opportunity for families or business groups to give back together. Express interest today!

Dog Tag Dash 5K

ABCCM 5K Dog Tag Dash "Run For A Veteran" is being held on Saturday, November 15th at the Crowne Plaza Resort. Volunteers are needed to help at water stations around the course, clean-up, and most importantly CHEER for the runners! Funds raised will support ABCCM Veterans' Restoration Services. Learn more!

Find Us On

Welcome New Volunteers!

We are so glad that you have subscribed to our monthly volunteer newsletter! Hands On, the volunteer center of United Way, makes it easy to lend a hand and help others in our community by volunteering with Buncombe County nonprofits & schools.

Click here to learn more about Hands On.

LIVE UNITED

In Your Inbox

Want to learn more about the work of United Way outside Hands On?

Click here to sign-up for the United Way newsletter.

In This Issue

Volunteer Challenge!

"Tis the Season

Partner of the Month: ABCCM

NTCA Service Day

Hands On Managed Projects

Partner Projects & Events

More Volunteer Opportunities

Be the Change: Vote!

Legislative Briefing

Donate Today!

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. GiveToday!

Project Calendar

Thanks NTCA Volunteers!

Wow what an awesome day of service! On Tuesday, October 28th, 84 NTCA employee volunteers collectively gave 400 hours of service at Enka Middle School. Projects accomplished include: interior & exterior painting, extensive campus landscaping, classroom cleaning, pressure washing, and courtyard beautification. Thanks NTCA volunteers... you ROCKED!

Click here to view pics of volunteers in action!

Hands On Managed Projects

Flex Projects are done-in-a-day projects led by a Hands On Volunteer Leader. Most Flex Projects take place on evenings or weekends and last 1-3 hours. Flex Projects don't require an ongoing commitment or any advance training, and many are family friendly!

Learn More

View List of Upcoming Flex Projects

Portable Projects allow you to volunteer any time or place you want.They're easy to do on your own or with a group. Consider getting your family, friends, faith community, or co-workers together to help with a Portable Project.

Learn More

View List of Our Portable Projects

Upcoming Partner Projects & Events

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

The Mediation Center is looking for volunteers to work concessions at the Avett Brothers Concert at the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville! Sell Beer and Nachos for Peace to raise money to support its mission. 11/1

The YMCA's Healthy Living Pantry serves families in need of both food and other basic household items. So far in 2014, the Pantry has distributed over 55,000 lbs of goods to families in needs. Supplies come from MANNA Foodbank and are distributed from 5:00-6:00 PM every Wednesday.

Habitat for Humanity has opportunities perfect for individuals and groups with the support of Habitat staff. The Hampton Inn is remodeling and has very generously offered most all furnishings and fixtures to Habitat, for sale in the ReStore. Each project date will need approximately 5 volunteers for "deconstruction". 11/3-4, 11/11

Children and families in the Emma Community will have access to the annual free clothing market at Emma Elementary School. Children First/CIS needs volunteers on several days prior to the event to help sort clothing, and to assist shoppers on the day of the market event. 11/3, 11/10, 11/18-19

Volunteer with the Asheville Downtown Association at this year's Holiday Parade! Volunteers are needed to help with lineup beforehand, during the parade, and at egress at the end of the parade. Express interest to sign up for available shifts. Many sign-in spots and parking lot crews can also continue the morning as parade marshals. 11/22

Volunteer with your family at Hall Fletcher Elementary School in West Asheville! Join together with other community members in creating a clean and safe space for students, staff and the surrounding community! 11/22

Click here to learn more and sign up!

More Volunteer Opportunities...

Hands On is pleased to list more than 200 volunteer opportunities managed by our Partner Agencies.

* Search for projects based on your skills, interests and availability

*
View the monthly online project calendar

* View family-friendly projects: Children (under age 13), Teens (ages 13-17)

Be the Change: VOTE!

At United Way, we talk about three strategies - Give, Advocate and Volunteer. One way you and others can advocate is to register to vote, educate yourself about the issues and the candidates, and vote. United Way is making it easier to do so. We now have our Voter Page 2014 up on our website. This page includes many items, including links to NC Board of Elections webpage where people can check if they are registered and at what address, identify their polling place on November 4th, and also see their sample ballot.

Legislative Briefing

"Building a Stronger North Carolina - A Call to Action" will be held on Thursday, December 11th, 8:30 to 11:00 am at the AB Tech Enka campus. This annual event brings together community, business, and nonprofit leaders to hear how the State impacts the education, income, and health issues of our community. With the many challenges in our community, region, state, and nation, this event is of particular importance. Click here for more information and/or reserve your spot for this event.

Thanks for giving back to our community through service! We encourage you to spread the word about Hands On. Tell your co-workers...share on Facebook...follow our blog...invite your

friends to join your next project.

Take a moment and sign up for a project today. Be the change. Volunteer!

Sincerely,

Charlie & Michelle

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe Staff

United Way Resources Special Thanks to Our Platinum Underwriter