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.

Saturday, December 5, 2020
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Dec 5 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 5 all-day
Online

This holiday season we are reimaging traditions for a safer,  socially distant world and our Angel Tree is going virtual. 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. 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 our Director of Women’s Empowerment Kelley Hubbell to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 11.


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 they 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.

Winter Reading Challenge
Dec 5 all-day
Online with Buncombe County Libraries

Photo of typewriter

Looking for ways to optimize coziness this winter? Check out the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge! Starting Dec. 1, pick up a Winter Reading Activity Sheet from any Buncombe County Public Library during public service hours or download a PDF below. The activity sheet includes multiple ways kids and their families can enjoy the winter season together in a screen-free, socially distanced way. This free activity sheet is designed with kids in mind, but all are invited to participate. The focal challenge is to Build A Blizzard, in which kids are invited to make paper snowflakes to help decorate their local branch. Libraries will be offering the craft supplies needed to Build a Blizzard while supplies last, so plan to stop by your library soon!

Library ZOOM Passes Return
Dec 5 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Online

The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Libraries have teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer free admission for library card holders with a ZOOM pass!

How does it work?

  • Have your library card handy and log into the Tixkeeper database.
  • You can make 1 reservation per library card. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and you may visit each attraction once every 30 days. Reservations are made online only.
  • You will get an email confirmation of your reservation and a reminder email the day before your visit.
  • Pick up your tickets at any library anytime the week before your visit. Please bring the library card used for reservations with you.
  • The pass will be good for YOUR RESERVATION DAY ONLY. The pass will have your name on it and cannot be used by anyone else. ZOOM passes cannot be renewed.
  • Take your ZOOM pass to the museum for admission. You are responsible for knowing the schedule of the museum with regards to opening and closing times. Admission guidelines may vary and pass users must follow the rules of the museum
Friends of the Henderson County Public Library: Book Store Open
Dec 5 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Friends of the Henderson County Public Library
The public is welcome and members of the Friends get a 10 percent discount on all
purchases. (You can join the Friends at the bookstore). Anyone can donate books, CDs,
and DVDs at the store, but only during the hours it is open.

As with the book sales, everything at the bookstore is in excellent condition. Books are
shelved by author or subject so they are easy to find, and books are restocked
throughout the week. The store also sells CDs and DVDs.
The bookstore follows health guidelines. Anyone entering must wear a mask and
practice social distancing. Hand sanitizers are available. When the store is busy,
shopping is limited to 30 minutes.

Except for the bookstore manager, the Friends is an all-volunteer organization. There is
a need for more volunteers to help at the bookstore. It is a great way to meet people
who love reading while also helping to support our library system.

Sunday, December 6, 2020
BMC Book: The Bird Who Sang Beethoven
Dec 6 all-day
Online
The Bird Who Sang Beethoven is a children’s book in rhyme about a baby bird born in the concert hall at the Brevard Music Center just as Beethoven’s Fifth is being played, and he thinks that is what birds sing! His offspring continue the tune for generations and spread it far and wide.

About the Author: Harper Howze is a freshman at Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kansas, and an aspiring writer. This is his first published work. Lucille Chaveas, his co-author and “Grand” (grandmother), is a Brevard resident and an avid supporter of the Brevard Music Center.

Charity Navigator
Dec 6 all-day
Online

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The 4-star rating is the highest level awarded by Charity Navigator.

Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to creating lifelong homes for every pet. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center and works to ensure the highest quality adoption counseling experience for potential adopters. At our Adoption Center, we assess behavior and treat conditions as necessary with all animals under our care. Prior to adoption, each animal is provided with all the appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, dewormed, and are spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan.

BRHS also provides owner support for BRHS adopters and community pet owners, including low-cost vaccine clinics, pet training classes, behavior consultations and adoption follow-ups. BRHS takes an active role in community outreach through providing animal and youth education programs and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities.

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Save Our Stages Donate to The Orange Peel! Keep Live Music ALIVE!
Dec 6 all-day
Online

Thank you for always being such a great friend of The Orange Peel. Your continued support means so much to us!

But, we still need your help!

Thanks to you, the Save Our Stages Act passed in the House of Representatives — but as you may know, it’s not law yet. We’re pushing to get it included in the next COVID-19 Relief package, which is being negotiated now – and we need your voice (again) ASAP.

The situation gets more dire with each passing day. With no emergency relief, hundreds of venues have already shuttered forever, through no fault of their own.

Even if you’ve done it before, can you please take 30 seconds to remind your Congressional representatives that you want them to pass the next COVID-19 Relief Act now and include crucial assistance for independent venues and promoters. Just click here to Save Our Stages.

When legislators hear from you it makes all the difference – and can help us get this across the finish line. On behalf of the nearly 3,000 members of the National Independent Venue Association, thank you for your continued support.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone…

You can also donate directly to The Orange Peel to help us get through this difficult time. Just click here!

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Dec 6 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 6 all-day
Online

This holiday season we are reimaging traditions for a safer,  socially distant world and our Angel Tree is going virtual. 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. 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 our Director of Women’s Empowerment Kelley Hubbell to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 11.


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 they 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.

Winter Reading Challenge
Dec 6 all-day
Online with Buncombe County Libraries

Photo of typewriter

Looking for ways to optimize coziness this winter? Check out the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge! Starting Dec. 1, pick up a Winter Reading Activity Sheet from any Buncombe County Public Library during public service hours or download a PDF below. The activity sheet includes multiple ways kids and their families can enjoy the winter season together in a screen-free, socially distanced way. This free activity sheet is designed with kids in mind, but all are invited to participate. The focal challenge is to Build A Blizzard, in which kids are invited to make paper snowflakes to help decorate their local branch. Libraries will be offering the craft supplies needed to Build a Blizzard while supplies last, so plan to stop by your library soon!

Library ZOOM Passes Return
Dec 6 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Online

The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Libraries have teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer free admission for library card holders with a ZOOM pass!

How does it work?

  • Have your library card handy and log into the Tixkeeper database.
  • You can make 1 reservation per library card. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and you may visit each attraction once every 30 days. Reservations are made online only.
  • You will get an email confirmation of your reservation and a reminder email the day before your visit.
  • Pick up your tickets at any library anytime the week before your visit. Please bring the library card used for reservations with you.
  • The pass will be good for YOUR RESERVATION DAY ONLY. The pass will have your name on it and cannot be used by anyone else. ZOOM passes cannot be renewed.
  • Take your ZOOM pass to the museum for admission. You are responsible for knowing the schedule of the museum with regards to opening and closing times. Admission guidelines may vary and pass users must follow the rules of the museum
Monday, December 7, 2020
Charity Navigator
Dec 7 all-day
Online

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The 4-star rating is the highest level awarded by Charity Navigator.

Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to creating lifelong homes for every pet. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center and works to ensure the highest quality adoption counseling experience for potential adopters. At our Adoption Center, we assess behavior and treat conditions as necessary with all animals under our care. Prior to adoption, each animal is provided with all the appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, dewormed, and are spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan.

BRHS also provides owner support for BRHS adopters and community pet owners, including low-cost vaccine clinics, pet training classes, behavior consultations and adoption follow-ups. BRHS takes an active role in community outreach through providing animal and youth education programs and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities.

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Save Our Stages Donate to The Orange Peel! Keep Live Music ALIVE!
Dec 7 all-day
Online

Thank you for always being such a great friend of The Orange Peel. Your continued support means so much to us!

But, we still need your help!

Thanks to you, the Save Our Stages Act passed in the House of Representatives — but as you may know, it’s not law yet. We’re pushing to get it included in the next COVID-19 Relief package, which is being negotiated now – and we need your voice (again) ASAP.

The situation gets more dire with each passing day. With no emergency relief, hundreds of venues have already shuttered forever, through no fault of their own.

Even if you’ve done it before, can you please take 30 seconds to remind your Congressional representatives that you want them to pass the next COVID-19 Relief Act now and include crucial assistance for independent venues and promoters. Just click here to Save Our Stages.

When legislators hear from you it makes all the difference – and can help us get this across the finish line. On behalf of the nearly 3,000 members of the National Independent Venue Association, thank you for your continued support.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone…

You can also donate directly to The Orange Peel to help us get through this difficult time. Just click here!

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Dec 7 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 7 all-day
Online

This holiday season we are reimaging traditions for a safer,  socially distant world and our Angel Tree is going virtual. 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. 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 our Director of Women’s Empowerment Kelley Hubbell to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 11.


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 they 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.

Winter Reading Challenge
Dec 7 all-day
Online with Buncombe County Libraries

Photo of typewriter

Looking for ways to optimize coziness this winter? Check out the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge! Starting Dec. 1, pick up a Winter Reading Activity Sheet from any Buncombe County Public Library during public service hours or download a PDF below. The activity sheet includes multiple ways kids and their families can enjoy the winter season together in a screen-free, socially distanced way. This free activity sheet is designed with kids in mind, but all are invited to participate. The focal challenge is to Build A Blizzard, in which kids are invited to make paper snowflakes to help decorate their local branch. Libraries will be offering the craft supplies needed to Build a Blizzard while supplies last, so plan to stop by your library soon!

AHNA Annual Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Dec 7 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Animal Hospital of North Asheville

“Warm Hearts * Full Bellies” Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Join us this Holiday Season to help pets in need in our community. During “Warm Hearts * Full Bellies,” AHNA will be collecting donations of wet or dry pet food, much-needed supplies, and monetary donations for the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) and Meals on Wheels of Buncombe County.
Starting Friday, November 27th, and lasting through Saturday, January 2nd, we will be offering several different ways to donate to help these amazing organizations. Due to how the threat of COVID-19 has affected our community, we have made some changes to our annual holiday food drive. We have kept safety in mind.
Donations Accepted:
We will be collecting wet or dry cat or dog food, small animal/rabbit food, cockatiel/parakeet bird food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies (toys, blankets, and more), along with monetary donations at AHNA.
DROP OFF:
We will have a donation bin on our patio at AHNA for donated items. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours (M-F 7:30am-6:00pm, and Sat 8am-5pm).
ONLINE:
Starting in December, we will be offering online donation collections through Amazon wishlist and direct donations to the organizations. Supplies can be ordered online and delivered to AHNA. We will distribute the donations after the first of the year to the Asheville Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.
Direct Donations:
Asheville Humane Society: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/donation-drive
To show our appreciation, Animal Hospital of North Asheville has partnered with Science Diet Pet Food to donate an extra pound of food for every pound (up to 2,000 pounds) of pet food donated during our Holiday Pet Food Drive.
Please, if you want to donate by check, it must be written to the organization of your choice (not to Animal Hospital of North Asheville).
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun weekly events, information about these wonderful organizations, and photos of animals your donations will be helping.
Claxton Giving Tree Online!
Dec 7 @ 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Online + In Person Claxton Elementary
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 from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (M-F) at Claxton Elementary School.
More specific details will be included in an email after you sign up.

Donate at The Blood Connection
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Blood Connection

We’re proud to call Western North Carolina home. Our dedicated staff work and live in the area, just like you. Whether you’re here for the breath-taking mountain views or the cooler weather, we’re glad you’re here to help us save the lives of your neighbors.

Our centers are the perfect places to give back and kick back. Open every day, yes weekends too, makes it easy to fit donating into your schedule.

You could probably use a little peace, and every Blood Connection center offers that. Clean, spacious, and comfortable, a center getaway may be exactly what you need…it’s exactly what 3 blood recipients need too.

Every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. You’re 1 person who can make a difference!

100 Coats + Cans Holiday Drive
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Engel & Völkers Asheville

We’re kicking off our annual holiday drive!
This year, we are asking for coats and other cold weather gear for kids that will be donated to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buncombe County and canned goods and other non-perishables for MANNA FoodBank. Last year our community came together and made our annual coat drive a huge success. We were able to surpass our goal of donating 100 coats. This year we hope to donate 100 coats and 100 canned goods.
We invite you to join us in supporting these incredible organizations by donating either cold weather gear like a coat, canned goods, or both. Any donation is greatly appreciated. While Giving Tuesday is a one day event, we’ll be holding our holiday drive until December 19th.
TO DONATE: We have designated donation hours at our office in downtown Asheville at 26 College Street. Drop off donations Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm until December 19th. Or, please contact us and we would be happy to arrange a pick-up time!
Please help us keep the youth of Buncombe County warm and families fed this winter season. With the impact of COVID-19, it has never been more important to take care of our community.
Holiday Pet Supply Drive
Dec 7 @ 11:47 am – 12:47 pm
Wagbar

Drop off the items below at Wagbar in support of the Asheville Humane Society.

• Blankets
• Bath Towels
• Training pads/crate mats
• Dog or cat treats
• Cat toys that dangle
• Inexpensive loop leashes
• Clay kitty litter (non-clumping)
• Liquid laundry soap
• Dog food dry or canned
• Canned cat food (no fish flavors)
• Peanut butter
• “Easy cheese” canned cheese
• Science Diet cat, dog, kitten + puppy food
• Nylabone dog chews

Live Stream: Craig Gralley presents Hall Of Mirrors Virginia Hall: America’s Greatest Spy of WWII
Dec 7 @ 6:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

This event is free but please RSVP here. You will then receive an email on the day of the event with URL and password you’ll need to attend. Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are supporting our work and keeping more dollars in our community. If you would like to support us without purchasing a book, you may purchase a gift card or make a donation of any amount. Thank you!


In World War II France, she went by the name of Marie. Or Brigitte. Or any of a half dozen other names. Some saw her as a middle-aged newspaper reporter. To others, she was a doddering old woman. To the Nazis, she was an elusive enemy, “The Lady Who Limps.” Her real name was Virginia Hall. She had a wooden leg. And she was a spy. As the Allies’ first agent to live behind the lines in Vichy, France, she organized resistance groups, helped conduct sabotage operations, and reported secret intelligence back to the Allies. She was one of the first women agents in the CIA and was the only civilian woman of the war to receive the Distinguished Service Cross. This is the story of Virginia Hall and her immense personal courage and determination, and how she broke through barriers of physical limitation and gender discrimination to become America’s greatest spy of World War II.

Craig Gralley, a former senior officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, was chief speechwriter for three CIA directors. Through research and travel, he’s become the organization’s authority on Virginia Hall. Craig attended Allegheny College in Meadville PA, and holds graduate degrees from Georgetown University (Government) and Johns Hopkins University (Writing). Though his passion is the written word, Craig also enjoys long-distance running and adventure travel with his wife, Janet.

Learn more about Craig Gralley and Virginia Hall at https://craiggralley.com/.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Charity Navigator
Dec 8 all-day
Online

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The 4-star rating is the highest level awarded by Charity Navigator.

Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to creating lifelong homes for every pet. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center and works to ensure the highest quality adoption counseling experience for potential adopters. At our Adoption Center, we assess behavior and treat conditions as necessary with all animals under our care. Prior to adoption, each animal is provided with all the appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, dewormed, and are spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan.

BRHS also provides owner support for BRHS adopters and community pet owners, including low-cost vaccine clinics, pet training classes, behavior consultations and adoption follow-ups. BRHS takes an active role in community outreach through providing animal and youth education programs and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities.

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Save Our Stages Donate to The Orange Peel! Keep Live Music ALIVE!
Dec 8 all-day
Online

Thank you for always being such a great friend of The Orange Peel. Your continued support means so much to us!

But, we still need your help!

Thanks to you, the Save Our Stages Act passed in the House of Representatives — but as you may know, it’s not law yet. We’re pushing to get it included in the next COVID-19 Relief package, which is being negotiated now – and we need your voice (again) ASAP.

The situation gets more dire with each passing day. With no emergency relief, hundreds of venues have already shuttered forever, through no fault of their own.

Even if you’ve done it before, can you please take 30 seconds to remind your Congressional representatives that you want them to pass the next COVID-19 Relief Act now and include crucial assistance for independent venues and promoters. Just click here to Save Our Stages.

When legislators hear from you it makes all the difference – and can help us get this across the finish line. On behalf of the nearly 3,000 members of the National Independent Venue Association, thank you for your continued support.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone…

You can also donate directly to The Orange Peel to help us get through this difficult time. Just click here!

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Dec 8 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 8 all-day
Online

This holiday season we are reimaging traditions for a safer,  socially distant world and our Angel Tree is going virtual. 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. 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 our Director of Women’s Empowerment Kelley Hubbell to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 11.


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 they 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.

Winter Reading Challenge
Dec 8 all-day
Online with Buncombe County Libraries

Photo of typewriter

Looking for ways to optimize coziness this winter? Check out the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge! Starting Dec. 1, pick up a Winter Reading Activity Sheet from any Buncombe County Public Library during public service hours or download a PDF below. The activity sheet includes multiple ways kids and their families can enjoy the winter season together in a screen-free, socially distanced way. This free activity sheet is designed with kids in mind, but all are invited to participate. The focal challenge is to Build A Blizzard, in which kids are invited to make paper snowflakes to help decorate their local branch. Libraries will be offering the craft supplies needed to Build a Blizzard while supplies last, so plan to stop by your library soon!

AHNA Annual Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Dec 8 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Animal Hospital of North Asheville

“Warm Hearts * Full Bellies” Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Join us this Holiday Season to help pets in need in our community. During “Warm Hearts * Full Bellies,” AHNA will be collecting donations of wet or dry pet food, much-needed supplies, and monetary donations for the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) and Meals on Wheels of Buncombe County.
Starting Friday, November 27th, and lasting through Saturday, January 2nd, we will be offering several different ways to donate to help these amazing organizations. Due to how the threat of COVID-19 has affected our community, we have made some changes to our annual holiday food drive. We have kept safety in mind.
Donations Accepted:
We will be collecting wet or dry cat or dog food, small animal/rabbit food, cockatiel/parakeet bird food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies (toys, blankets, and more), along with monetary donations at AHNA.
DROP OFF:
We will have a donation bin on our patio at AHNA for donated items. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours (M-F 7:30am-6:00pm, and Sat 8am-5pm).
ONLINE:
Starting in December, we will be offering online donation collections through Amazon wishlist and direct donations to the organizations. Supplies can be ordered online and delivered to AHNA. We will distribute the donations after the first of the year to the Asheville Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.
Direct Donations:
Asheville Humane Society: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/donation-drive
To show our appreciation, Animal Hospital of North Asheville has partnered with Science Diet Pet Food to donate an extra pound of food for every pound (up to 2,000 pounds) of pet food donated during our Holiday Pet Food Drive.
Please, if you want to donate by check, it must be written to the organization of your choice (not to Animal Hospital of North Asheville).
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun weekly events, information about these wonderful organizations, and photos of animals your donations will be helping.
Claxton Giving Tree Online!
Dec 8 @ 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Online + In Person Claxton Elementary
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 from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (M-F) at Claxton Elementary School.
More specific details will be included in an email after you sign up.