Calendar of Events

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Activities of the American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter include: Blood Services, Training Services, Disaster Services, and Home Fire Campaign.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and one blood donation can save up to three lives. Help support lives in North Carolina by signing up to become a Blood Drive Volunteer today.  

Time Commitment:

Blood drives occur M-F and volunteers are expected to attend one blood drive a month to remain an active volunteer. This position is flexible as volunteers can sign up for shifts that work for their schedule and instructions for shift selection will be sent after responding to the opportunity.

Volunteer Roles:

• Warmly greet donors and assist with registration in reception area.
• Assist with initial intake and hand off through blood donation process.
  • Ensure donors have relevant information and all questions are answered appropriately.
  • Maintain proper sanitizing and cleanliness of reception and hospitality areas.
• Attend canteen area in support of donors.
  • Thank donors for their contribution.
  • Alert staff immediately if a donor shows signs of feeling unwell.
• Inform donors of current and upcoming donation promotions.
  • Make reminder/cancellation calls.
  • Reschedule donor appointments.
  • Perform follow-up activities as directed.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Modeling excellent customer service behaviors.
• Knowledge of technology needed for position (training provided)
  • Donor checkin, donor tablet, rapid pass, donor app.
• Comfortable working with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
• Dependable, punctual, and professional
• Adhere to all Red Cross guidelines
• Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
• Adhere to CDC safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions
• Safety First! Our need for volunteers is constant and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations and follow the national and local government laws. COVID-19 vaccination will be required for in-person volunteer roles beginning January 3, 2022.

 Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is a comprehensive two-year college and one of 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System, serving students in five locations in Buncombe and Madison Counties.  A-B Tech, through its dedication to student success, strives toward its mission to deliver quality education to enhance academic, workforce, and personal development. A-B Tech envisions changing lives and strengthening communities. 

We are seeking volunteers to help support our Veteran’s Cafe. A-B Tech recognizes that student military veterans benefit significantly from fellowship and networking with their peers. To meet this need, the College created the Vet’s Cafe, a supportive gathering place where students can relax, network, connect with resources, use a computer and enjoy complimentary coffee or pre-packaged snack. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Hosts, ensuring the Cafe is welcoming and supportive.
• Setting out snacks and coffee
• Helping students with computers, and tutoring/mentoring as appropriate
• Volunteers also act as a conduit between students and the A-B Tech Veterans Advisor to ensure students get all the support they need to succeed.

Time Commitment:

• 3 hours per shift (8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm 8am-5pm)
• 1 volunteer per shift, couples are welcome to volunteer together.

Qualifications:

• Must have patience and understanding while volunteering at the Cafe
• Military experience is preferred but not required
• Must be computer literate

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years old
• Complete volunteer application with A-B Tech
• Complete FERPA & HIPAA forms
• Submit to a criminal background screening
• Attend an in-person interview and orientation with A-B Tech Campus Volunteer Coordinator

Health & Safety:

• A-B Tech is following all CDC guidelines for higher educational institutions

Mission: To help the small business members of The Chamber become and remain successful. If you are interested in serving on the Small Business Committee, please contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413

Before you begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

UWABC is committed to collaborating with donors, volunteers, community partners, and those most affected by inequity and poverty to co-create a community where all share equal access to the resources necessary to attain the education, financial stability, and health needed to thrive.

Currently, UWABC is seeking individuals, teams, and corporate partners to support students engaged in learning pods and satellite learning centers by Building Kits that provide resources such as items to support resiliency, personal care packs, school supplies, and more. 

Volunteers will be responsible for purchasing agreed-upon supplies, assembling and delivering the supplies directly to the learning site. Build a Kit items/supplies will be shared with volunteers after responding to the opportunity. 

Build A Kit Options:

• Art Kits
• Personal Care Kits
• Resiliency Kits
• School Supply Kits
• Snack Packs

I’m interested, How do I participate?

• Respond to this opportunity as an individual or as a team.
• After you respond, a UWABC staff will reach out to share the pre-approved Build A Kit list and timeframe.
• Think about your price point.
  • How much can you or your team realistically spend?
  • There is no minimum or maximum of kits needed at this time as these items are always needed and welcome.
• Determine kit options and begin the process of ordering and assembling kits based on the pre-selected and approved lists.
  • Volunteers are asked to only purchase the pre-approved items to ensure each student receives the same items.
• Coordinate with UWABC staff around delivery location(s) and point person on-site.
• Deliver kits to a specified location(s).
• Track all volunteer hours of participating individuals in Hands On.

Health and Safety:

• This is a remote opportunity and larger groups are responsible for the health and safety of their team members’ participation.
• Any time groups are together, UWABC encourages volunteers to follow CDC guidelines of:
  • Practicing social distancing of 6 feet apart;
  • Practicing hand hygiene often and wearing gloves when appropriate;
  • Wearing a mask when around other volunteers.
• We ask volunteers to wear masks when delivering items.

Do you need help paying your mortgage, rent, or utilities? Buncombe County might be able to help. Additional financial assistance will be available soon for qualifying County residents. At its Feb. 1 regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve budget amendments accepting nearly $4 million in state and federal funding for emergency rental and low-income energy assistance.

Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin also provided the Board an overview of emergency housing spending of $8.2 million to date that has helped aid more than 3,000 residents. Additional funding in the amount of $2.2 million has been received from the state’s allocation of emergency rental assistance to be used following the same guidelines for rent and utility payments. Hardin noted there is still $4 million in funding from the previous allocation that is available immediately to support community members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent or utilities. Call 250-5500 for assistance.

Heating Assistance

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is a seasonal program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. NC DHHS is providing funding from two sources to the County for a total of $1,887,432. All funds will be disbursed through Eblen Charities. The County will share more information as it is available on how residents may apply for this assistance.

Parade of Racquets Will Offer 50 Hardwood Racquets to Local Businesses, Organizations, & Youth/School Groups to Participate Each decorated racquet will be auctioned off at the April 15-16, 2022, event to benefit Asheville Tennis Association’s youth outreach programs.

With the Billie Jean King Cup (formally known as Fed Cup) returning to Asheville for a third time, the United States Tennis Association (USTA)  is looking to infuse the local community like never before. We’re asking artists, school groups, and teams  to create racquet artwork with the spirit of Asheville and tennis for the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup on April 15-16, 2022. The  racquet artwork will serve as an iconic visual to commemorate the return of Team USA to Asheville, NC.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center will provide the 2′ x 4′ wooden racquets to be decorated with the spirit of  Asheville and Tennis at no cost, on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Approximately 60  racquets will be available via pre-registration here: https://paradeofracquets-bjkc2022.eventbrite.com—  while supplies last. Pick up information will be emailed directly to registrants. All decorated racquets  must be returned to the venue no later than Tuesday, March 1, 2022 for display. ABOUT BILLIE JEAN KING CUP The U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team will return to Asheville, N.C. for the third time in five years in April with a  spot in the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals at stake. The USTA has selected Harrah’s Cherokee Center as host for the team’s qualifying tie against Ukraine, which  is scheduled to be played from April 15-16. Team USA previously played at Harrah’s Cherokee Center—  Asheville in 2018 and 2019, when the competition was called Fed Cup. The two events combined generated  more than $8 million in economic impact for the region and spurred increases in tennis participation at the  grassroots level. EVENT HISTORY  The Billie Jean King Cup, the premier international women’s tennis team competition formerly known as  the Fed Cup, was officially rebranded in honor of the legendary Billie Jean King in late 2020. Some of the  greatest tennis players in the history of the game have suited up for Team USA, helping it win a record  18 titles in the competition since the event began in 1963.

Do you need help preparing your taxes? If so, Buncombe County Pubic Libraries can help. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the IRS, NC Department of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System, and Council on Aging, Inc. will offer free tax preparations for taxpayers of low and moderate-income, with special attention to those age 60 and older from Feb. 1-April 15.

You will need an appointment to speak with a tax help aide. At your appointment, you can drop off your tax documents and you’ll be given another appointment in about two weeks to pick up your paperwork and completed tax form.

How it works

1. Pick up a tax record envelope and instructions at Black Mountain, West Asheville, Weaverville or Pack Library during library hours.

2. Complete the Intake/Interview Booklet in your envelope by answering all questions. Then sign and date the last 3 pages. Place all your tax forms and any information relating to your tax return in your envelope.

3. Make an appointment to drop off your Tax Record Envelope and meet with a Tax-Aide volunteer.

Wednesdays, appointments available between 10am-4pm
To make an appointment on Wednesday at Pack Library, email [email protected] with your name and telephone number. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. If you don’t have access to email, someone at the library can email AARP for you. At your appointment a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks.

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

• Background Check
• Brief orientation prior to service
• Ability to Multi-Task
• Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

• We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
• Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance

• Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

  Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

  ---

  ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

  Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

  We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

UPDATED FRIM April to Feb.

Voting is already underway for the 2024 primary election and if you have questions, we want to hear them. On Friday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. Buncombe County’s Communications and Engagement team will host a Q&A conversation with Election Services Director Corinne Duncan.

To make sure we focus on the topics you want to hear about, head over to engage.buncombecounty.org/s3003 to let us know what’s on your mind.

What: Let’s Talk Elections Q & A

When: Friday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m.

Where: https://www.facebook.com/buncombeGov  (with simultaneous Spanish translation)

To find everything you need to know about elections in Buncombe County, click here.

Hablemos sobre las elecciones el viernes 16 de febrero

La votación ya está en marcha para las elecciones primarias de 2024 y si tiene preguntas, queremos escucharlas. El equipo de Comunicaciones y Participación Pública del condado de Buncombe organizará una conversación de preguntas y respuestas con la directora de Servicios Electorales, Corinne Duncan, el viernes 16 de febrero a la 1 p.m., con traducción simultánea al español

Para asegurarnos de que nos centramos en los temas que desea escuchar, y para contarnos qué tiene en mente visite engagement.buncombecounty.org/s3003.

Qué es: Hablemos sobre las elecciones- preguntas y respuestas 

Cuándo: viernes 16 de febrero, 1 p.m.

Dónde: https://www.facebook.com/buncombeGov

Para encontrar todo lo que necesita saber sobre las elecciones en el condado de Buncombe, haga clic aquí.

Buncombe County is working hard to prepare for the 2022 Midterm Primary Election. Join us for a Let’s Talk live, online Q&A with Election Services Director Corinne Duncan as she provides information on everything you need to know about voting in 2022. This includes a discussion about election security and accuracy, how to register, updating your voter information, finding your sample ballot, the three ways to vote, information on being a paid poll worker, and much more.

• Register for the event for a reminder: engage.buncombecounty.org/buncombevotes
• It can also be viewed in English on Facebook @buncombegov
• It can be viewed in Spanish on Facebook @bchhs

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

• Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
• Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

• GED or High School diploma
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
• Access to reliable internet
• Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
• Complete a background check

Training:

• Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

• Background Check
• Brief orientation prior to service
• Ability to Multi-Task
• Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

• We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
• Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance

• Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

  Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

  ---

  ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

  Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

  We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Comedy Open Mic at Asheville Music Hall in downtown Asheville. Every Weds. 8pm. Doors and comic sign up at 7pm. Free