Calendar of Events

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! 

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

A Helping of Graditude River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select. Participate in Give!Local RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you! Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions: Astral Bottle Riot Burial Beer Co. Cedar Rock Adventures Curtis Wright Outfitters East Fork Pottery Edgewater Resources Ferguson Waterworks Fresh Market Hellbender Paddleboards High Five Coffee Preserving a Picturesque America Whole Foods Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! 

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

A Helping of Graditude River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select. Participate in Give!Local RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you! Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions: Astral Bottle Riot Burial Beer Co. Cedar Rock Adventures Curtis Wright Outfitters East Fork Pottery Edgewater Resources Ferguson Waterworks Fresh Market Hellbender Paddleboards High Five Coffee Preserving a Picturesque America Whole Foods Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

A Helping of Graditude River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select. Participate in Give!Local RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you! Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions: Astral Bottle Riot Burial Beer Co. Cedar Rock Adventures Curtis Wright Outfitters East Fork Pottery Edgewater Resources Ferguson Waterworks Fresh Market Hellbender Paddleboards High Five Coffee Preserving a Picturesque America Whole Foods Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

A Helping of Graditude River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select. Participate in Give!Local RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you! Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions: Astral Bottle Riot Burial Beer Co. Cedar Rock Adventures Curtis Wright Outfitters East Fork Pottery Edgewater Resources Ferguson Waterworks Fresh Market Hellbender Paddleboards High Five Coffee Preserving a Picturesque America Whole Foods Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.