Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Make the Holidays Brighter for a Senior, Adult with a Disability, or a Child in Foster Care
Nov 30 all-day
online

Your favorite giving opportunity is back! Help make this holiday special for a child in Foster Care or a Senior in Buncombe County by becoming a Holiday Sponsor.

Foster Care Wish List

Foster Care Wish List

Each year, the Buncombe County Foster Care Team organizes a gift drive for children in foster care in Buncombe County. Bringing a smile to a child’s face this year is easier than ever. Just follow the link below, select the child you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your child would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a child.

Senior Wish Tree

Senior Wish Tree

There are a lot of seniors and adults with disabilities in Buncombe County who look forward to the sense of community the holiday season brings. Spread the love this year by supporting one of our adults or seniors. Signing up to sponsor an adult is easy. Just follow the link below, select the adult you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your adult would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a Senior or Adult with a Disability.

Give the gift of community this year by becoming a Holiday Sponsor for a child in foster care or a senior in Buncombe County. Nearly 2 years of limited social opportunity has left many feeling isolated this holiday season. Your sponsorship is more than a few gifts under the tree, it’s a sense of belonging for those in our community who need it the most. Thank you for your generosity and for bringing the spirit of the season to our community.

Second Gear November Sales Supports Rainbow Mountain School
Nov 30 all-day
Second Gear
Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Nov 30 all-day
online

Our virtual angel tree is up for this holiday season. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support.

If you are able to, please select a gift from our Amazon wish list by December 10, 2021. Gifts from the list will be mailed directly to our building and will be sorted and distributed by our YWCA elves. All items on the list have been selected by the families and are items they are wishing for or are in need of this holiday season.

If you would like to go further and adopt a family this holiday season please email Katie Zambrano in our Women’s Empowerment Department to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 10.


Programs Served by the Angel Tree

MotherLove
YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents, and delay another teen pregnancy.

Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their community.

Early Learning Program
YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

Empowerment Childcare
The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

Wine and Wolves! Donate to Full Moon Farm Wolf Sanctuary
Nov 30 all-day
online w/ Full Moon Farm

Full Moon Farm is an organization dedicated to the well being of the wolfdog (wolf hybrid). Situated on 17 beautiful mountain acres in Black Mountain, NC, we operate as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization for abused and refused wolfdogs who find themselves in need of love, shelter, and care through no fault of their own.

Full Moon Farm provides a safe haven for animals that cannot be placed into homes for the rest of their lives.  Our rescued wolfdogs come from animal control agencies, closed breeding situations and occasionally, an owner in crisis.  We evaluate each animal upon intake and work with them at their level of comfort.

Some animals are “hands off” and we respect their choice, as well as that of the animals that crave human interaction.  Our goal is to enrich the lives of the residents, allowing them to reach their highest potential.  Your support by donation or sponsorship makes our task possible.

Though they may be abused or neglected, homeless because of death or divorce, they are all God’s Creatures and worthy of a lifetime of respect. We are here to serve them.

  • Nancy Brown

It’s Memorable, Fast, and Easy! Also, 15% of your purchase will directly be applied to Full Moon Farm, not only will mom be getting great wines, but you will also be supporting a great cause.

Use code GBFULLMOON19 at checkout to donate 15% to Full Moon Farm.

Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays
Nov 30 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
various Food Lions in the area
From November 10th to December 14th, Food Lion is hosting their Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays campaign.
Customers have the opportunity to participate in the in-store food drive at Food Lion stores by purchasing and donating a Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays box of food, which will then be donated to MANNA.
When you are next at Food Lion be on the lookout for their Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays food boxes.
MANNA’s Turkey Drive
Nov 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
MANNA’s Volunteer Center

MANNA is continuing to serve more people than we were prior to the pandemic. For the enjoyment of the holiday season, it is important that those families are able to celebrate the holidays like everyone else. Since food is a centerpiece of every holiday, it is our hope that our community will come together to help fill as many plates of food over the holidays as we can throughout WNC.
MANNA hopes to collect hundreds of turkeys this year, and invites the community to join the effort by supporting the Turkey Drive. The community can give in two ways:
  • For your convenience, you can easily support our efforts to purchase additional holiday turkeys and hams through our virtual food drive option.
  • Donate a frozen turkey, ham, or other holiday table entrée to MANNA. Donations will be accepted at MANNA’s Volunteer Center (627 Swannanoa River Road, in East Asheville) Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9am–noon, and 1–3pm. (MANNA will be closed Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.)
On behalf of MANNA and all those we serve together, we wish you and yours a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!
Pisgah Legal Services is helping local people sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance
Nov 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Healthcare.gov is Open with Record-Low Premiums
New Savings Mean More People Qualify for Quality, Affordable Health Insurance

Free Help Is Available
Trained navigators are ready to help local people – at no cost – who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits. HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage.

Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigators Consortium.

Since 1978, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to help people with low incomes seek justice and meet their basic needs including preventing homelessness, stopping domestic violence and securing health care. PLS provides a broad array of free legal services. Last year Pisgah Legal served more than 20,000 people across the mountain region.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Burnsville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands/Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys.

BIG LOVE! FOR LIANA JOY IHDE A GIVING TUESDAY BENEFIT CONCERT
Nov 30 @ 6:00 pm
Salvage Station

BIG LOVE! For Liana Joy Ihde

On Giving Tuesday we have an outpouring of amazing local musicians coming out to show BIG LOVE! for Liana Joy Ihde (13y.o.) who was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago. She has had all the treatment available at Mission Hospital and is now receiving alternative chemo that insurance won’t cover. This Giving Tuesday (November 30th) there will be live music by Radioactive Cows, Moonlight Street Folk, Montford Jazz Band, Brian Felix, Mar & the Marmaladies, and Fwuit and a silent auction to raise money to support the Ihde family.

Doors open at 5pm and the music starts at 6pm. All ages are welcome to this event and we will have FREE ON-SITE PARKING! Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have our FULL bar open for you to enjoy!

*Minimum $10 donation at the door*

Here’s the lineup:

Radioactive Cows- Asheville Music School Middle School Rock Band 6:00PM
Moonlight Street Folk 630PM
Montford Jazz Band 7PM
Brian Felix 7:45PM
Mar and the Marmaladies 8:20PM
Fwuit 9:20PM

Please review our Covid-19 policy here: https://salvagestation.com/covid-policy/

NOTE: ALL humans entering the property must show proof of full vaccination or a negative 3rd party Covid-19 PCR or Rapid Antigen Test within 72 hours (at-home tests are NOT accepted). While indoors all humans will be required to wear a mask at all times except when actively eating/drinking.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
 Give!Local: Literacy Together
Dec 1 all-day
online
Buncombe County Extends Indoor Mask Mandate to Jan. 4, 2022
Dec 1 all-day
Buncombe County
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 3, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.
In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases continue to increase after a high level plateau. The percent positivity is now consistently above 5% again, and we are likely to see a further increase after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Transitioning to living with COVID-19 means doing what we can now to reduce transmission and burden of new infections. Our goal is to dampen as much as possible any surge we may see during this holiday season with the hope of achieving decreasing case rate and spread as we enter the new year.”

Claxton Giving Tree is Virtual!
Dec 1 all-day
online

Asheville Community Theatre is Seeking Santas!

We team up with Claxton Elementary each year to find folks who’d love to provide gifts for students who would otherwise go without. If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, these children need you!

Once you sign up, we will match you with a child and email you a printable ornament with their sizes and wish list!

You can drop off gifts at Asheville Community Theatre.
ACT staff will deliver the gifts to Claxton Elementary!
More specific details will be included in an email after you sign up.

SIGN-UP BY:

December 1, 2021

WHERE TO DROP OFF GIFTS:

Asheville Community Theatre
35 East Walnut St. Asheville NC 28801

DROP OFF GIFTS BY:

December 6, 2021

Elida Homes: Sponsor A Child for the Holidays
Dec 1 all-day
online
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and job insecurity, our children and youth need support more than ever.
Many children who are living at Eliada may be restricted to campus and won’t have the opportunity to go home for the holidays. Families in our child development center face financial hardship. Our older youth transitioning to adulthood have children of their own, and are struggling to find work and safe housing during this time.
With community support, Eliada can help parents and guardians provide a bright and joy-filled Christmas to their kids. For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.
How to sponsor a child:
When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a wish list. Wish lists include information that help you get to know the child such as their favorite sports team, color, and movie. Wish lists also include their top three most need and most wanted items. Needed items include winter clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. Wanted items often include things like music, art supplies, and developmentally appropriate toys and games.
The value of a wish list is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.
To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].
Sponsor multiple children with a program wish list:
We also have wish lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada throughout 2022.
Cottage wish lists are for youth living at Eliada. They include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases, and kitchen utensils. Many children will arrive at Eliada in 2021 with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can ensure they feel at home at Eliada.
Other wish lists are for our Child Development, Day Treatment, Campus Farm and Equine Therapy programs with needed classroom and playground supplies.
Sponsor a last minute wish:
Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until late November-early December. If you can shop at the last minute, we can use your support.
If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”
To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected] or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.
GivingTuesday with Homeward Bound
Dec 1 all-day
online
Image

 

Giving Tuesday 2021 is only two weeks away. This year, every dollar you donate on Giving Tuesday will be matched up to $50,000.

Let me tell you about Zach.

When Zach was 23 he was involved in a horrific car crash. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, severed his spinal cord, and was paralyzed from the neck down. Along with tremendous pain came addiction to prescription pain-killers, depression and anxiety. Eventually Zach lost his job, his marriage, and soon after he was homeless.

$27 a day will provide housing and case management support for one person for a year. Your Giving Tuesday donation to Homeward Bound will help folks like Zach get into their own homes this holiday season.

Here’s how you can best prepare to help folks like Zach this year:

 

Mark your calendar. Giving Tuesday is two weeks from today, on November 30, 2021.

 

Give! Now through December 31, 2021, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 as part of our Creating Hope and Homes Matching Gift Challenge! 

 

Spread the word! Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join you in Giving Tuesday 2021. Share on social media what our mission means to you, and tag us on Facebook [@homewardboundwnc] or Instagram [@homeward_bound_wnc] so we can share it!

Make the Holidays Brighter for a Senior, Adult with a Disability, or a Child in Foster Care
Dec 1 all-day
online

Your favorite giving opportunity is back! Help make this holiday special for a child in Foster Care or a Senior in Buncombe County by becoming a Holiday Sponsor.

Foster Care Wish List

Foster Care Wish List

Each year, the Buncombe County Foster Care Team organizes a gift drive for children in foster care in Buncombe County. Bringing a smile to a child’s face this year is easier than ever. Just follow the link below, select the child you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your child would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a child.

Senior Wish Tree

Senior Wish Tree

There are a lot of seniors and adults with disabilities in Buncombe County who look forward to the sense of community the holiday season brings. Spread the love this year by supporting one of our adults or seniors. Signing up to sponsor an adult is easy. Just follow the link below, select the adult you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your adult would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a Senior or Adult with a Disability.

Give the gift of community this year by becoming a Holiday Sponsor for a child in foster care or a senior in Buncombe County. Nearly 2 years of limited social opportunity has left many feeling isolated this holiday season. Your sponsorship is more than a few gifts under the tree, it’s a sense of belonging for those in our community who need it the most. Thank you for your generosity and for bringing the spirit of the season to our community.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 1 all-day
online

Our virtual angel tree is up for this holiday season. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support.

If you are able to, please select a gift from our Amazon wish list by December 10, 2021. Gifts from the list will be mailed directly to our building and will be sorted and distributed by our YWCA elves. All items on the list have been selected by the families and are items they are wishing for or are in need of this holiday season.

If you would like to go further and adopt a family this holiday season please email Katie Zambrano in our Women’s Empowerment Department to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 10.


Programs Served by the Angel Tree

MotherLove
YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents, and delay another teen pregnancy.

Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their community.

Early Learning Program
YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

Empowerment Childcare
The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

Wine and Wolves! Donate to Full Moon Farm Wolf Sanctuary
Dec 1 all-day
online w/ Full Moon Farm

Full Moon Farm is an organization dedicated to the well being of the wolfdog (wolf hybrid). Situated on 17 beautiful mountain acres in Black Mountain, NC, we operate as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization for abused and refused wolfdogs who find themselves in need of love, shelter, and care through no fault of their own.

Full Moon Farm provides a safe haven for animals that cannot be placed into homes for the rest of their lives.  Our rescued wolfdogs come from animal control agencies, closed breeding situations and occasionally, an owner in crisis.  We evaluate each animal upon intake and work with them at their level of comfort.

Some animals are “hands off” and we respect their choice, as well as that of the animals that crave human interaction.  Our goal is to enrich the lives of the residents, allowing them to reach their highest potential.  Your support by donation or sponsorship makes our task possible.

Though they may be abused or neglected, homeless because of death or divorce, they are all God’s Creatures and worthy of a lifetime of respect. We are here to serve them.

  • Nancy Brown

It’s Memorable, Fast, and Easy! Also, 15% of your purchase will directly be applied to Full Moon Farm, not only will mom be getting great wines, but you will also be supporting a great cause.

Use code GBFULLMOON19 at checkout to donate 15% to Full Moon Farm.

Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays
Dec 1 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
various Food Lions in the area
From November 10th to December 14th, Food Lion is hosting their Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays campaign.
Customers have the opportunity to participate in the in-store food drive at Food Lion stores by purchasing and donating a Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays box of food, which will then be donated to MANNA.
When you are next at Food Lion be on the lookout for their Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays food boxes.
MANNA’s Turkey Drive
Dec 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
MANNA’s Volunteer Center

MANNA is continuing to serve more people than we were prior to the pandemic. For the enjoyment of the holiday season, it is important that those families are able to celebrate the holidays like everyone else. Since food is a centerpiece of every holiday, it is our hope that our community will come together to help fill as many plates of food over the holidays as we can throughout WNC.
MANNA hopes to collect hundreds of turkeys this year, and invites the community to join the effort by supporting the Turkey Drive. The community can give in two ways:
  • For your convenience, you can easily support our efforts to purchase additional holiday turkeys and hams through our virtual food drive option.
  • Donate a frozen turkey, ham, or other holiday table entrée to MANNA. Donations will be accepted at MANNA’s Volunteer Center (627 Swannanoa River Road, in East Asheville) Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9am–noon, and 1–3pm. (MANNA will be closed Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.)
On behalf of MANNA and all those we serve together, we wish you and yours a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!
Pisgah Legal Services is helping local people sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance
Dec 1 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Healthcare.gov is Open with Record-Low Premiums
New Savings Mean More People Qualify for Quality, Affordable Health Insurance

Free Help Is Available
Trained navigators are ready to help local people – at no cost – who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits. HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage.

Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigators Consortium.

Since 1978, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to help people with low incomes seek justice and meet their basic needs including preventing homelessness, stopping domestic violence and securing health care. PLS provides a broad array of free legal services. Last year Pisgah Legal served more than 20,000 people across the mountain region.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Burnsville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands/Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys.

Noir Collective AVL @ YMI Specials for Small Business Week
Dec 1 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Noir Collective AVL

Header image for the site

offering a free wellness gift with every $50 purchase in store and with each paid tour or donation to YMI Cultural Center. This offer applies from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm and can be claimed at Noir Collective AVL
ZUMBA WITH GINA CORNEJO
Dec 1 @ 5:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio
Gina Cornejo

Bringing the party back in our lives! Gina Cornejo is a genuine seeker of a party, c’mon! Learn the choreography details of your favorite Zumba songs. Within this free 1-hour class, Gina will offer a breakdown of the intricacies of Zumba choreography and also provide the opportunity to let go and party. Her direction and care will build your confidence on the dance floor and allow for better memorization. Join Gina’s Zumba class to see and feel the improvement of your fitness. Her classes are spirited and sweet with a focus on empowerment through encouragement. All levels welcome — come as you are. A cool down is always offered.

 

Blue Ridge Humane Offers Pet Loss Peer Support Group
Dec 1 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Onlinew/  Blue Ridge Humane Society

 Blue Ridge Humane Society knows how difficult the loss of a loved pet can be, and to support grieving pet owners, is offering a new peer support group with a professional group moderator.

The free program will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for members of the community to come together to support one another through their loss and grief of their beloved pet(s).

Sign-up is required and the sessions are limited to 20 participants. Sessions will be held via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month, 6pm-7pm. Registration will be open for the first session until Friday, May 28, 2021, or until full, whichever occurs first. Registration is available at www.blueridgehumane.org/pet-loss-support/

“Pet loss is the worst part of being a pet owner. Our pets are family. Every pet is different and brings a unique light into our lives. The loss of that light can be devastating. Coping with grief, especially in today’s world, is a difficult process,” shares Angela Prodrick, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Humane Society. “We at Blue Ridge Humane Society feel it is important to help people navigate that time of mourning and offer what support we can.”

The sessions will be moderated by BRHS staff and led by Judi Moolten. Judi is a former clinical social worker, with a PhD certificate in Stress and Somatic Psychology. In addition to being a stress coach Judi lives and resides in Hendersonville. Judi comes to BRHS as a volunteer, but also as a pet parent who uses animals to help heal stress and more! Judi also has suffered many losses during COVID-19 and beyond and will be available to just listen, or when requested offer feedback.

Pet loss and grief can trigger intense emotional responses that may need to be addressed with professional resources which is beyond what BRHS is able to provide through the Peer Support group. This cannot to take the place of professional counseling and therapy.

Additional info or support for those who have suffered the loss of a pet can be found at The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement https://www.aplb.org/.

If you feel that you’re in distress or having thoughts about harming yourself, please call:

Thursday, December 2, 2021
 Give!Local: Literacy Together
Dec 2 all-day
online
Buncombe County Extends Indoor Mask Mandate to Jan. 4, 2022
Dec 2 all-day
Buncombe County
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 3, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.
In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases continue to increase after a high level plateau. The percent positivity is now consistently above 5% again, and we are likely to see a further increase after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Transitioning to living with COVID-19 means doing what we can now to reduce transmission and burden of new infections. Our goal is to dampen as much as possible any surge we may see during this holiday season with the hope of achieving decreasing case rate and spread as we enter the new year.”

Elida Homes: Sponsor A Child for the Holidays
Dec 2 all-day
online
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and job insecurity, our children and youth need support more than ever.
Many children who are living at Eliada may be restricted to campus and won’t have the opportunity to go home for the holidays. Families in our child development center face financial hardship. Our older youth transitioning to adulthood have children of their own, and are struggling to find work and safe housing during this time.
With community support, Eliada can help parents and guardians provide a bright and joy-filled Christmas to their kids. For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.
How to sponsor a child:
When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a wish list. Wish lists include information that help you get to know the child such as their favorite sports team, color, and movie. Wish lists also include their top three most need and most wanted items. Needed items include winter clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. Wanted items often include things like music, art supplies, and developmentally appropriate toys and games.
The value of a wish list is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.
To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].
Sponsor multiple children with a program wish list:
We also have wish lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada throughout 2022.
Cottage wish lists are for youth living at Eliada. They include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases, and kitchen utensils. Many children will arrive at Eliada in 2021 with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can ensure they feel at home at Eliada.
Other wish lists are for our Child Development, Day Treatment, Campus Farm and Equine Therapy programs with needed classroom and playground supplies.
Sponsor a last minute wish:
Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until late November-early December. If you can shop at the last minute, we can use your support.
If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”
To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected] or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.
GivingTuesday with Homeward Bound
Dec 2 all-day
online
Image

 

Giving Tuesday 2021 is only two weeks away. This year, every dollar you donate on Giving Tuesday will be matched up to $50,000.

Let me tell you about Zach.

When Zach was 23 he was involved in a horrific car crash. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, severed his spinal cord, and was paralyzed from the neck down. Along with tremendous pain came addiction to prescription pain-killers, depression and anxiety. Eventually Zach lost his job, his marriage, and soon after he was homeless.

$27 a day will provide housing and case management support for one person for a year. Your Giving Tuesday donation to Homeward Bound will help folks like Zach get into their own homes this holiday season.

Here’s how you can best prepare to help folks like Zach this year:

 

Mark your calendar. Giving Tuesday is two weeks from today, on November 30, 2021.

 

Give! Now through December 31, 2021, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 as part of our Creating Hope and Homes Matching Gift Challenge! 

 

Spread the word! Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join you in Giving Tuesday 2021. Share on social media what our mission means to you, and tag us on Facebook [@homewardboundwnc] or Instagram [@homeward_bound_wnc] so we can share it!

Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!
Dec 2 all-day
Eliada Homes

Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes!
Sponsor a Child:
When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.
For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.
Sponsor Multiple Children:
We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in.
Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have!
Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve!
Sponsor a last minute wish:
Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute?
If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”
Make the Holidays Brighter for a Senior, Adult with a Disability, or a Child in Foster Care
Dec 2 all-day
online

Your favorite giving opportunity is back! Help make this holiday special for a child in Foster Care or a Senior in Buncombe County by becoming a Holiday Sponsor.

Foster Care Wish List

Foster Care Wish List

Each year, the Buncombe County Foster Care Team organizes a gift drive for children in foster care in Buncombe County. Bringing a smile to a child’s face this year is easier than ever. Just follow the link below, select the child you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your child would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a child.

Senior Wish Tree

Senior Wish Tree

There are a lot of seniors and adults with disabilities in Buncombe County who look forward to the sense of community the holiday season brings. Spread the love this year by supporting one of our adults or seniors. Signing up to sponsor an adult is easy. Just follow the link below, select the adult you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your adult would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a Senior or Adult with a Disability.

Give the gift of community this year by becoming a Holiday Sponsor for a child in foster care or a senior in Buncombe County. Nearly 2 years of limited social opportunity has left many feeling isolated this holiday season. Your sponsorship is more than a few gifts under the tree, it’s a sense of belonging for those in our community who need it the most. Thank you for your generosity and for bringing the spirit of the season to our community.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 2 all-day
online

Our virtual angel tree is up for this holiday season. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support.

If you are able to, please select a gift from our Amazon wish list by December 10, 2021. Gifts from the list will be mailed directly to our building and will be sorted and distributed by our YWCA elves. All items on the list have been selected by the families and are items they are wishing for or are in need of this holiday season.

If you would like to go further and adopt a family this holiday season please email Katie Zambrano in our Women’s Empowerment Department to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 10.


Programs Served by the Angel Tree

MotherLove
YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents, and delay another teen pregnancy.

Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their community.

Early Learning Program
YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

Empowerment Childcare
The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

Wine and Wolves! Donate to Full Moon Farm Wolf Sanctuary
Dec 2 all-day
online w/ Full Moon Farm

Full Moon Farm is an organization dedicated to the well being of the wolfdog (wolf hybrid). Situated on 17 beautiful mountain acres in Black Mountain, NC, we operate as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization for abused and refused wolfdogs who find themselves in need of love, shelter, and care through no fault of their own.

Full Moon Farm provides a safe haven for animals that cannot be placed into homes for the rest of their lives.  Our rescued wolfdogs come from animal control agencies, closed breeding situations and occasionally, an owner in crisis.  We evaluate each animal upon intake and work with them at their level of comfort.

Some animals are “hands off” and we respect their choice, as well as that of the animals that crave human interaction.  Our goal is to enrich the lives of the residents, allowing them to reach their highest potential.  Your support by donation or sponsorship makes our task possible.

Though they may be abused or neglected, homeless because of death or divorce, they are all God’s Creatures and worthy of a lifetime of respect. We are here to serve them.

  • Nancy Brown

It’s Memorable, Fast, and Easy! Also, 15% of your purchase will directly be applied to Full Moon Farm, not only will mom be getting great wines, but you will also be supporting a great cause.

Use code GBFULLMOON19 at checkout to donate 15% to Full Moon Farm.