The United Way of Asheville Buncombe oversees and helps coordinate a wide array of charitable efforts. While they aren't engaged in any holiday-specific efforts themselves, through their Hands On Asheville-Buncombe project, the United Way has compiled an updated list of worthy causes that need donations and volunteers over the holidays.
At http://www.handsonasheville.org/hoab_holiday, Ashevilleans can find 22 organizations among the many efforts that United Way helps coordinate that need assistance, ranging from helping with ABCCM's Veterans Restoration Quarters to gifts for the Women at Risk program. For more direct information, call the United Way at 255-0696.
MANNA Food Bank
“There's dozens of things happening, people doing food drives all over the community. We help coordinate that, especially the main initiative we do, which is the Ingles Giving Tree. People can also come by and volunteer at any time.”— Joshua Stack, communication director
What they do: MANNA links the food industry with 231 partner agencies throughout the 16 counties of Western North Carolina.
What they need: Donations of food at the Ingles Giving Tree barrels at Ingles' stores around the region or at the Giving Tree itself at the Asheville Mall. Volunteers are also needed at the MANNA Food Bank's main location, located at 627 Swannanoa River Road. In addition, Ingles has promised to match up to $25,000 in monetary donations made to MANNA during the holiday season.
Wanna help? For more information, call 299-3663 or visit mannafoodbank.org
Need help? MANNA usually doesn't provide service directly, but sends food to partner organizations. For information about where to receive food from one of their partner agencies, call 211or 252-4357.
Affiliates: ABCCM, Housing Authority of the City of Asheville, Helpmate, many local churches, Just Economics, local homeless shelters, ARC of Buncombe County, I Have a Dream Foundation and more
Salvation Army of Asheville
“The Salvation Army of Asheville administers many programs and services designed to restore broken lives, to build healthy relationships, and to develop and encourage people of all ages.
We are more than just the bell-ringers that you see at Christmas or the family stores that you see around town.” – from the Salvation Army of Asheville's website
What they do: The Salvation Army's programs range from homeless shelters to youth programs, transitional housing, addiction rehabilitation and more.
What they need: The Salvation Army needs volunteers to support their angel tree at the Asheville Mall during business hours, thru Dec. 16. The Salvation Army also needs volunteers to help prepare, serve and cleanup after lunch and dinner on Christmas Day. Donations of vehicles, furniture, clothing and money are also needed.
Wanna help? For more information, visit www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/commands/asheville or call 253-4723.
Need help? Visit the Asheville Center of Hope at 204 Haywood St. or call the number above.
Affiliates: United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs of Buncombe, MANNA Food Bank
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