You know that special feeling you get when you receive an unexpected bag full of goodies? That feeling of surprise and gratitude that fills your heart? Well, we know that feeling, and we want to share it! That’s why We Care Kits are a staple in our Hands-On Volunteer Community Engagement Department. Almost every week, you can find our volunteer managers gathering groups of individuals, corporate employees, and even tourists to create specialized kits.
These kits are not made in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our Community Engagement team spends time heading out into our county to talk to school staff, first responders, the unhoused, and other nonprofit organizations to figure out what needs to be in each kit. When we hear a need, we connect the resources we have, design a kit, and bring in volunteers to add the final beautiful touches. This often includes handwritten notes, song lyrics, and sometimes specialty bags.
The name reflects how we feel about our kits: we care, and we care a lot. We know that the We Care Kits our Hands-On volunteers create will give someone that special feeling of being seen. The kits also provide a unique value add to our partnerships. Recently, one of our community partners in Long-Term Recovery came to pick up 75 care kits for first responders and for those who have been cleaning debris and rebuilding homes. We asked them what receiving these kits means to them.
Evan Richardson, the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Case Management Committee Chair, responded simply: “You all make this even possible.” For many organizations, providing care kits can take significant time or may not be financially feasible. That’s why we make it an ongoing strategy. These small gestures really do add up—supporting organizations while bringing care to the people who need it most in our community.
Just before leaving, Evan added, “United Way has been an incredible resource for keeping the long-term recovery group up and going.”
At the heart of it, We Care Kits are more than just bags—they’re a tangible reminder that someone sees you, values you, and cares. Each kit is a small but meaningful way we can lift up our neighbors, support the tireless work of local organizations, and strengthen the connections that make our community resilient. Whether it’s a volunteer folding a note, a corporate team assembling supplies, or a partner distributing kits, every hand involved is part of a bigger story: one of care, collaboration, and hope. In a world where small gestures can make a world of difference, these kits show that when we come together, we all rise a little higher.
Don't Stop There....
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