For years, the 18,000 square foot YMI building was the social and economic center of Asheville’s Black community. Currently YMI is a cultural center operating with support from the City of Asheville. Its impressive Tudor-style structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features four galleries and a 300-seat performing arts theatre.
Volunteer Opportunities
Have you thought about volunteering in Asheville or the surrounding areas? There are countless opportunities to do so regardless of the time of year! Do you know of a group or club not listed here or one in need of updating? If so contact Asheville.com or use our submission form and we'll add it right away.
This website allows you to search for volunteer opportunities in Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, and surrounding counties.
Volunteers are needed at Jewish Family Services for their Elder Club. Elder Club members enjoy an engaging and upbeat program with a wide range of activities, socialization, ability-appropriate exercise and a nutritious kosher meal prepared on-site. Elders must be able to ambulate and toilet themselves. Volunteers assist with activities and meal serving, join in with games and sing-a-longs and help provide a fun and safe environment. Locations in both Asheville and Hendersonville. 5-15 hours/week, flexible schedule. Call 828-253-2900.
Our Voice provides support and counseling for survivors of sexual assault. Their volunteer advocate program enables the center to provide services on a 24-hour basis. Volunteers receive extensive training and are on call 3-4 times per month. The center can also use volunteer assistance with their educational programs and for office tasks.
March of Dimes is seeking volunteers to assist with office work-making phone calls, filing, research. Flexible hours and days.
The WWD-F Hillcrest Community Resource Center works to promote healthy living, self-sufficiency, and community wellness by increasing residents’ access to supports and services. Volunteers are needed in the Resource Center computer lab to assist with resume-building, job searches, and emails. Shifts available Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-2 PM. Volunteers are also needed to provide childcare while residents attend Resource Center classes. Shifts available Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-2 PM. Please contact [email protected], or (828) 423-2954 for more information.
Eliminating racism, empowering women — it’s what the YWCA is about and what it intends to do. The YWCA of Asheville offers programs in Aquatics, including swim lessons, lap and open swims, water aerobics, lifeguard training, and more.
Asheville.com is proud to be an Advocate of the YWCA of Asheville.
Meals On Wheels of Buncombe County is a largely volunteer-run, Meals on Wheels provides low-priced home-delivered meals to an average of 350 local persons daily. Desperate for volunteer drivers in the downtown and Enka-Candler areas to deliver a hot nutritious lunch to the elderly and homebound.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, the volunteer center of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, makes it easy to lend a hand and help others in our community by volunteering with local nonprofits, schools and government entities. Our service area is Buncombe County. If you have questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Erika Goffin at [email protected] or visit our website for over 200 opportunities to serve.
Ride for Kids is the longest-running, most successful motorcycle charity event in the nation. Since 1984, motorcyclists have raised funds to help children with brain tumors, which are the top cause of cancer death in children. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created in 1991 by the founders of Ride for Kids, and is now the leading nonprofit funding research into childhood brain tumors. Our events also fund free educational resources, college scholarships for brain tumor survivors and emergency financial aid for families.
Salvation Army Boys & Girls Camp hosts sessions for summer day camp for kids 6-12. Day sessions are held from 7am-6pm, Monday – Friday , offering a variety of recreational, educational, and spiritual enrichment for youngsters.
Asheville Tool Library is a volunteer-powered tool lending library. Why rent or buy tools when you can borrow them as an AVLTL member?
WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention. 2nd & 4th Saturday Morning Food box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] 828-252-7489 ext.315
Become an Energy-Efficiency Volunteer to help weatherize low-income homes
Looking for a fun hands-on volunteer opportunity to make a real impact in our WNC community by helping to lower the energy cost burden of limited-income families AND reduce energy consumption in the fight against climate change? Energy Savers Network does just that. Our team is comprised of passionate, dedicated volunteers who share their talents contributing to a wide variety of tasks–from weatherizing homes with energy-efficiency upgrades to building interior storm windows and canvassing low-income neighborhoods in Buncombe County. Come learn new skills and enjoy meeting new people in the process.
Our Client workdays consist of going out to homes and implementing small energy-efficiency upgrades and retrofits that save the client 25-50% on their energy bills. You can sign up for a full workday on a home from 9:30am – 2pm or you can sign up for our Housing Authority of Asheville (HACA) project from 10am-1pm. There will be a Team Leader to help guide you through the process and you must sign a volunteer waiver as well as read through our Volunteer Preparation & Client Communication page.
Our Window Workshops are meant to build interior storm windows for our low-income single-pane homes to help keep them warm in winter. They are scheduled on Thursday evenings as needed.
Our Canvassing Volunteer opportunity helps with Client Outreach and can happen on your own time using an online Canvassing map, clipboard, signup sheets, and fliers to hand out. If you know spanish this is a huge plus as we do visit latin x communities!
Four Seasons Hospice affirms life and provides holistic care in harmony with the goals of individuals with chronic, serious, or life-limiting conditions while offering support to their families and loved ones. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents with Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, please call 828-692-6178. We have many volunteer opportunities, including administrative work, patient care, mailings, special events, etc.
MANNA FoodBank provides food to more than 347 member agencies throughout Western North Carolina who serve 9,000 meals each day, 365 days per year. Please volunteer or donate today!
We are currently seeking people with daytime, weekday availability and a passion for working with children to be volunteer wish granters and help us enhance the wishes of our incredible Wish Kids who live in the Asheville and Hendersonville areas of North Carolina!
In this role, you work as a team to determine a child’s one true wish and give them a truly life transforming wish experience. You are also responsible for creating a wish enhancement for the child to increase the excitement for their upcoming wish!
Here are the requirements for this volunteer role:
•Complete and submit a volunteer application and Conflict of Interest Form.
•Complete a self-paid background check. The cost is roughly $26 and are run once every three years.
•Attend Wish Granter training (3 hours)
•Plan and deliver one enhancement piece/party per wish.
•Take on a minimum of 8 wishes per calendar year and 2 in one day, if applicable.
Please visit nc.wish.org to see more information on how to get involved and apply to be a Volunteer Wish Granter.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
The Creative Peacemakers after school program for at risk children in West Asheville provides a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities. Our mission is to bring peace to our communities by helping our children practice peacemaking through cooperative play and creative expression. Our program currently meets during the school year on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 3:30-5:30pm. There are a number of ways to be involved. Please contact Noel Schwartz, [email protected] or 901-274-3106.
The YMCA Youth Services center is seeking volunteers with interest in serving:
1) As an assistant in our nutrition department and healthy living initiatives programs
2) With children, tutoring at academic afterschool programs
3) General property management (projects vary)
4) Assisting in coaching youth sports
To set up a volunteer orientation and schedule, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Brooke Phillips, at [email protected]
Support a child in learning to read! Read to Succeed volunteer reading tutors teach K-3 students to read using phonological awareness and phonics curricula that aligns with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools instruction. Tutors attend 6+ hours of training and work one-to-one or in small groups with K-3rd grade students throughout the school year (during and after school).
Find out more at https://www.r2sasheville.org/reading-tutor.html
The Guardian ad Litem Program of Buncombe County seeks dedicated community volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children whose cases are going through the court system. Volunteers investigate each child’s case and make independent recommendations to the Court for services, focusing on the best interests of the child. Program staff provides the necessary training for all volunteers. Please call us today at 251-6130 if interested. You will be glad you called!
A-B Tech is a great place to utilize yours skills and talents to help students reach their academic goals. They maintain a corps of dedicated volunteers who complement and supplement the mission, vision, and goals of the College. These volunteers serve in a variety of capacities across all our campuses.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. offers free tax preparation and electronic filing of Federal and NC State tax returns for taxpayers with low- and moderate-income.
At Girls on the Run we inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event. Email [email protected] for more information about coaching.
Western North Carolina AIDS Project is dedicated to helping people affected by HIV/AIDS to achieve the best possible quality of life.
Are you interested in helping our community’s most vulnerable residents? Pisgah Legal Services provides civil legal aid to low-income individuals who are at risk of losing their basic needed. The general office volunteer position would be helping to organize, file, create spreadsheets, enter client data, and perform other administrative tasks as needed. Please contact Beth Herrman, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.
Asheville Newcomers Club provides a great opportunity for women to make lasting friends, explore the area, and enrich their lives. Meetings are the second Monday of every month with the exception of August and September. There are many interest groups organized by members – everything from hiking to exploring Asheville locations to fun lunches to book groups. A monthly newsletter keeps members up-to-date on the many activities available. Come join us!
True Ridge is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting survivors of abuse, domestic violence, and their families. We provide culturally-relevant bilingual advocacy, case management and guidance in a safe space. We work with other local service providers to help our clients overcome cultural, economic, legal and financial barriers to safety and self-sufficiency. We educate the public to promote mutual understanding and trust. Like us on Facebook @ True Ridge
Flat Rock Playhouse believes in the power of collaboration, community, and connection. Volunteers support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse through gifts of time and resources, and they have the incredible opportunity to peek behind-the-scenes, learn more about how our hand-crafted productions come together, and connect with artists, staff members, and fellow volunteers. This team of supporters support the magic of live theater in these powerful ways:
-Maintaining and developing our beautiful gardens and grounds,
-Welcoming or sending off actors at the airport,
-Guiding guests and supporting FRP staff members as parkers,
-Preparing food for college-age apprentices,
-Attending to patrons as ushers at each performance.
As we return to a full season of live productions, we want YOU to be a part of the magic.
We hope you’ll join the team at Flat Rock Playhouse this season as a part of our volunteer community, Supporting Players!
To learn more about how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at [email protected]
https://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/volunteer
The Farm Tour is ASAP’s annual event with a mission to connect our communities to local farms and producers in Western North Carolina. Farm Tour Volunteers spend one day from 12-5 pm welcoming visitors at a participating farm on the tour, and in exchange receive a free car pass to visit farms on the day they aren’t volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to support local farms and meet food and farm enthusiasts from across the region. Sign for volunteering can be done online at asapconnections.org/events/asaps-farm-tour/volunteer-for-the-tour or by contacting Robin Lenner at [email protected] or 828-236-1282. New volunteers are provided with a volunteer orientation prior to the tour, which will be conducted at the ASAP office in downtown Asheville.
The American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter of the Greater Carolinas Region proudly serves more than 5.5 million people across 51 counties, 47 in North Carolina and 4 counties in South Carolina. The organization has several volunteer opportunities available. Do you have great customer service skills and want to make a difference? Support the American Red Cross blood program as a Blood Donor Ambassador! Ambassadors help donors feel welcome and comfortable, sign them in, and visit with them while giving out snacks and beverages after they donate blood. There are also additional volunteer opportunities in other areas. Please call 828-450-4087 or e-mail [email protected] to get involved.
Homeward Bound of WNC is ending homelessness in our community. Using the best practice model of Housing First, we work with clients to move from the crisis of homelessness to housing. We then provide case management services to them so that they can stabilize and remain housed. Housing over 2000 clients since 2006, 89% of them have never become homeless again.
Asheville Downtown Association hosts some of this city’s largest outdoor events like the Downtown After 5 concert series, Ingles Independence Day Celebration, Easter on the Green, Oktoberfest, Asheville Holiday Parade and more — and they’re all volunteer powered! Roles include pouring beer, selling merch, selling beverages, checking in guests, greening, backstage security and more. Perks vary per shift, but generally include some or all of the following: t-shirt, beer tokens and credit toward a big end-of-year party with drinks, food and entertainment. ADA also hosts periodic volunteer socials to promote friendship among those that come out and help at events. ADA’s mission is to promote a thriving downtown, which is accomplished through advocacy and entertainment events. Email [email protected] for more information.
WNC Bridge Foundation is a community-based charitable organization that works to provide funds to support and assist in meeting the many health challenges that face the people of WNC. Opportunities are available at our Thrift Store and Estate Sales & Services. Please volunteer or donate today. To learn more call 828-277-4888.
Interns are vital to providing care for the animals and coordination of volunteers in the Wildlife Urgent Care facility during the busy seasons which run March – September. Interns help in all aspects of the rehabilitation process, from answering phone calls and emails about wildlife, to the daily care of the animals and their holding areas to assisting with rescue and transport, as well as releasing healed animals back into the wild. Each day is different and interns must be dedicated, dependable, flexible and comfortable coordinating other volunteers while also handling communications with the public. Interns must commit to at least four shifts a week and at least a six week period and ideally up to three months. The facility will be open with days and hours based on staffing and intern availability.
Work with Co-Founders of Appalachian Wild to formalize the program and implement strategies to take advantage of the worldwide audience to support the mission. High level computer skills and social media experience required. Minimum of eight hours per week. To apply, please fill out a volunteer application and send it to [email protected]
Preserving A Picturesque America is searching for Western North Carolina volunteers to help with our project. We are updating the 1872 publication Picturesque America. We are currently working on the chapter, “On the French Broad” documenting current conditions along the river and ways to conserve and protect. We need historical researchers, artists, and event volunteers to help us with this phase of our project. We are, also, in the process of developing volunteer based programs focusing on art / history / conservation of sites depicted along the French Broad river.
Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.
Mountain True, previously called WNC Alliance, is a grassroots environmental organization that works to promote a sense of stewardship and caring for the natural environment. Citizens and chapters protect and preserve our natural land, water and air resources through education and public participation in policy decisions at all levels of business and government. They have chapters in Haywood, Buncombe, Macon, Jackson, Clay, Cherokee and Watauga Counties, as well as task forces dedicated to forests and public parks.
Explore hundreds of virtual volunteer opportunities in cause areas like health and medicine, education, and community building that you can do from a computer, from home or any other preferred location.
Our Values
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is guided by a set of staff core values that represent the organization’s commitment to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail. We pursue our mission and vision by our dedication to:
Cooperation:
The A.T. could not exist without cooperation: cooperation between ATC, A.T. Clubs, A.T. Communities and government agencies as well as among staff members, volunteers, and our key constituencies. We respect each other and work openly together to achieve our common objectives and support our mission.
Integrity:
We conduct ourselves in accordance with the highest standards of professional and personal behavior and ethics. We are transparent, honest and ethical in all our interactions with each other as well as with our partners and all those we encounter in the broader A.T. community.
Inclusion:
ATC aspires to be a welcoming and diverse organization that attracts, retains, and values talented people from all backgrounds. We appreciate differences in one another as well as our similarities. We strive for this spirit of inclusivity to expand beyond our organization and especially to our government and volunteer partners.
Dedication:
ATC staff members are passionate in their service to the Trail. From the Executive Director to seasonal staff members, in the office or in the field, on the clock and off, we work hard to promote and preserve the A.T. experience we cherish.
Empowerment:
We empower our talented staff members to take the initiative to stimulate continuous improvement and positive change in all aspects of the organization.
Opened in 1994, the Rathbun House provides a home-like environment for families and caregivers accompanying patients receiving medical care at an Asheville area hospital. We’re looking for outgoing and compassionate volunteers to staff the front desk. Some of what you’ll do as a volunteer at the Rathbun House:
– answer questions via phone and in person
– check guests in and out
– escort guests to rooms
– provide tours for guests
– assist staff as needed
– special projects like cooking, gardening and others as needed
The mission of Loving Food Resources (LFR) is to provide food, health, and personal care items to people in 18 counties of Western North Carolina living with HIV/AIDS or those in home hospice care with any diagnosis. LFR is a partner agency of MANNA FoodBank (the Feeding America Program) and has been an all-volunteer agency for its first 23 years of operation. Volunteers remain the heart and soul of our organization with more than 150 volunteers participating in the operation of the pantry.
Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays at a variety of times. Contact LFR for further information about volunteering. Phone: 828-255-9282 or via email, [email protected]
Riverlink is a regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to live, work and play.
The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy is a non-profit land trust looking for volunteers to assist with fundraising and event coordination, administrative support, invasive species removal, and database entry. Learn about the craft of land conservation and help to protect wildlife, farm, and water resources in Henderson and Transylvania Counties.
The Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) is a group of compassionate young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 dedicated to making Asheville a better place to live. YPA helps members by providing opportunities for business networking, personal growth, leadership development and social interaction. They help our local Asheville community by volunteering their time in various different projects. YPA members are involved with the ABCCM Mn’s Shelter and various other civic organizations on a regular basis and have many social functions throughout the year. Meetings and activities are usually held at least twice a month. Please email for more information.
The mission of Council on Aging of Buncombe County is to promote the independence, dignity, and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy. Our vision is a community where everyone has an opportunity to age successfully.
Volunteers are needed for many services:
Homebound Food Delivery
Once a month, volunteers deliver boxes of shelf-stable food, using their own vehicle, to homebound seniors throughout Buncombe County. Services are free and support seniors who are isolated, unable to shop independently, and have limited resources. Volunteers must have access to a navigation system to map their delivery route and be physically able to repeatedly lift 25-30 pounds.
Call A Ride (CAR)
Volunteers provide transportation to seniors who can no longer drive or use public/community transportation (ART/Mountain Mobility). CAR volunteers use their own vehicles to transport seniors to their appointments, the grocery store, or to meet other needs such as haircuts or voting.
Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
SHIIP counselors help seniors understand and sign up for Medicare. Extensive training through Council on Aging and NC Department of Insurance will be provided. Services are free, unbiased and serve anyone eligible for Medicare and their caregivers.
Senior Dining
Deliver meals using your own vehicle and/or assist at one or more of the Senior Dining and Wellness Sites in Buncombe County. Services are traditionally in a congregate setting, but due to COVID 19 we have offered hot meals at curbside in Weaverville, Shiloh, Black Mountain and downtown Asheville. Shelf stable meals and produce are being delivered to those who cannot come to the sites.
Phone number 828-277-8288
Website www.coabc.org/volunteer/
Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont is seeking adult volunteers to serve as outreach leaders, troop leaders and event coordinators. Outreach leaders serve 8 weeks for 2 hours each week working with girls. Troop leaders are also needed to guide groups of girls through badge earning, community service projects and more for at least a year commitment. Event coordinators plan and implement events for girls in Henderson County.
Ten Thousand Villages helps low income craftpersons in developing nations by marketing their handicrafts. They need volunteers to be sales clerks, to unpack merchandise, stock shelves and help with inventory. Training is provided.
The North Carolina Arboretum has many volunteer opportunities which include interpretive guiding in the gardens, greenhouse and trails, grounds maintenance, assisting staff in areas such as nursery, bonsai and interior plantings, visitor services as well as clerical and library support. The Arboretum is located on a beautiful 426-acre site southwest of Asheville.
Family Readiness Group is seeking volunteers to assist in monthly fundraising and training events. The Family Readiness Group (FRG) goals includes supporting the military mission through provision of support, outreach, and information to Family members. FRGs play an integral part in the Family and Soldier Readiness System (FSRS). For more information email Tiffaney Contreras, FRG Leader.
Asheville Area Arts Council has many volunteer opportunities for anyone who enjoys people, appreciates art and has some time available.
If you’re interested in starting a neighborhood organization or improving the one you’re involved in, contact these folks for info and resources.
From washing dishes and helping with community outreach, to providing comfort for an animal in need, Asheville Humane Society’s lifesaving Volunteer and Foster Programs offer a wide variety of opportunities for animal lovers to use their unique talents and skills to help the animals of Buncombe County!
Our volunteers provide much-needed socialization and enrichment for our animals, assist staff in daily cleaning activities, provide support for all departments, and offer their varied expertise in many different ways each day. Our foster families help us save lives by providing a temporary, loving and restful retreat for animals in need. Volunteers and foster families also have the opportunity to receive additional training with our Behavior Department through a variety of seminars and classes.
Asheville Community Theatre is looking for volunteers! Our ushers, set and costume builders, actors, singers, and box office helpers are all volunteers! Volunteers are encouraged to participate in every area of production. Basic instruction and guidance is offered to each individual. If you are enthusiastic about learning a new skill, we will teach you! For more information, please contact Jenny Bunn.
The Literacy Council of Buncombe County is a nonprofit organization that teaches basic reading, writing, and English language skills to adults and children through individual and small group instruction. We are currently recruiting new volunteer tutors to work with out Adult Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs. To learn more about how to become a volunteer tutor, please email Niki Paganelli at [email protected] or visit our website at litcouncil.com.
Literacy tutoring is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you can have. When you help someone learn to read or to speak English, you enable that individual to take advantage of a new world of opportunities – at home, at work, and in the community.
The Bair Foundation offers help to children and families in the Asheville area. There are more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States and over 100,000 of those chidlren are up for adoption. We are looking for local Asheville volunteers to work as little or as many hours per week to help us with office work, running errands and general duties that aid our oragnization so that we can provide services to those kids in need.
Volunteers and Books are Needed Books and volunteers to assist with programs are Needed at the Day Treatment Academy, the on-site school serving Eliada Homes. Books appropriate for children and teens including biographies, classics, fiction, science fiction, how-to-books, social issues, spiritual, sports and especially contemporary teenage issues are requested and appreciated. Drop off donations at the Main Campus at 2 Compton Drive in Leicester or call 254-5356 for more information or to volunteer.