The last few days of July were nothing short of incredible for United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s School Supply Drive. Over 400 volunteer hours. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers. And enough community generosity to purchase more than 2,500 fully stocked backpacks for local students.
From the moment we opened the doors at Harrah’s Cherokee Center warehouse—so generously donated for our use—the space was buzzing with energy. Pallets stacked with binders, folders, pencils, headphones, notebooks, and other school essentials rolled in. Thanks to our Community School Coordinators and their work with school staff, we packed each bag with exactly what students will need on day one.
Volunteers brought it all: focus, enthusiasm, and precision. Counters carefully ensured every bag had the same quantity of supplies. Packers worked shoulder-to-shoulder, dancing and laughing as they filled backpacks. Organizers kept the flow moving, and our cleaners made sure the space stayed ready for the next shift. And then there were our incredible CORE volunteers—longtime UWABC volunteers who have become friends, coming early, staying late, and taking on the behind-the-scenes work that kept everything running smoothly.
This event was made possible by the countless ways our community showed up. You put up billboards, hosted workplace drives, told your friends and neighbors, donated funds, and shared our campaign. Every single effort made a difference.
One of our favorite moments each year is the final day, when our community partners come to pick up their backpacks. Volunteers greet folks from all over Buncombe County, laughing about how many backpacks will fit into each car. Within hours, a warehouse filled with thousands of backpacks becomes an empty space—because those backpacks are already on their way to students who need them.
This year’s Pack & Sort was living proof of the saying: many hands make light work—and in our case, joyful work, too. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping our students start the school year strong.
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