Opportunities From: Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

Volunteer: United for Youth Community Engagement Block Party - 2026!

Part of this event is sponsored by our partner Cigna Healthcare.

Help United Way celebrate students and their families in our community before school starts this year!

United Way is recruiting and managing volunteers to support the United for Youth (U4Y) Community Engagement Block Party in Pack Square on Friday, August 7th. During this family-friendly event, volunteers will participate in setting up, checking in participants, handing out programs, assisting staff, and much more!  

This event is an evening celebration of our community and brings together community partners, students, and families. Collectively, we are working alongside one another to achieve our co-created Bold Community Goal, that all students in Buncombe County will graduate from High School ready to pursue their goals and dreams. 

Shift Times and Descriptions: *View and sign up for specific shifts below

Please make sure to arrive at the Volunteer Hub 15 minutes prior to your shift start!

Friday, August 7

8am - 10am Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areas10am - 12pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasAssist with unloading equipment and suppliesHelp arrange tents, tables, etc., and support vendors to get their areas readyOther tasks as needed12pm - 2pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasGuide vendors to the appropriate unloading areasAssist with carrying and staging vendor suppliesOther tasks as needed2pm - 4pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasSupport the main stage and performance setupCarry/set up sound equipment, signage, and seatingFloater: assist where needed, run errands, provide breaks for other volunteers or vendors, and moreOther tasks as needed4pm - 6pm  and  6pm - 8pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasStaff ticket booth, greet arriving guests, hand out food tickets, etc.Floater: assist where needed, run errands, provide breaks for other volunteers or vendors, and moreDistribute maps or information to guests, ensure safety and cleanliness Hand out water, keep coolers filled with water and ice, monitor bottles/trash at water stationsCheck trash bins throughout the event, replace liners, and keep walkways clearManage dessert service, assist vendors servingOther tasks as needed8pm - 10pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enters restricted areasCheck trash bins, replaces liners, and clear areaAssist vendors in teardown, transporting equipment and load vehiclesAssist United Way staff in cleanup, teardown, and loading/transporting equipment/supplies etc.Other tasks as needed

General Requirements:

Volunteers “respond” below to available shifts or “respond as a team” to reserve spots for colleagues, family, and friends.Volunteers arrive for check-in at the Volunteer Hub 15 minutes prior to their shift start Volunteers agree to adhere to all safety measures implemented Ability to lift 15 lbs Bending, stooping, walking and twisting Ability to stand on concrete and/or grass for long periods of time  Heat tolerant, this is an outdoor only event Positive and compassionate customer service skills Sign the waiver upon arrival to your selected shift Personal transportation to the event  Note: If you require accommodations to participate, please contact the site supervisor to discuss how we can best support you! 

Attire:

Attire should be comfortable and cool; this is an outdoor event with limited shade so dress accordingly (and don’t forget your sunscreen!) Close toed tennis shoes, sneakers or boots requiredYou'll receive a Volunteer T-shirt at check-in

Event Address:

Pack Square Park
80 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801

*** Please allow time to park and walk to the volunteer hub! ***


 To sign up for this volunteer project, simply

Click "respond" above to secure your spot and receive next step instructions from Buncombe County Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!

Organization: United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

Part of this event is sponsored by our partner Cigna Healthcare.

Help United Way celebrate students and their families in our community before school starts this year!

United Way is recruiting and managing volunteers to support the United for Youth (U4Y) Community Engagement Block Party in Pack Square on Friday, August 7th. During this family-friendly event, volunteers will participate in setting up, checking in participants, handing out programs, assisting staff, and much more!  

This event is an evening celebration of our community and brings together community partners, students, and families. Collectively, we are working alongside one another to achieve our co-created Bold Community Goal, that all students in Buncombe County will graduate from High School ready to pursue their goals and dreams. 

Shift Times and Descriptions: *View and sign up for specific shifts below

Please make sure to arrive at the Volunteer Hub 15 minutes prior to your shift start!

Friday, August 7

8am - 10am Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areas10am - 12pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasAssist with unloading equipment and suppliesHelp arrange tents, tables, etc., and support vendors to get their areas readyOther tasks as needed12pm - 2pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasGuide vendors to the appropriate unloading areasAssist with carrying and staging vendor suppliesOther tasks as needed2pm - 4pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasSupport the main stage and performance setupCarry/set up sound equipment, signage, and seatingFloater: assist where needed, run errands, provide breaks for other volunteers or vendors, and moreOther tasks as needed4pm - 6pm  and  6pm - 8pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enter restricted areasStaff ticket booth, greet arriving guests, hand out food tickets, etc.Floater: assist where needed, run errands, provide breaks for other volunteers or vendors, and moreDistribute maps or information to guests, ensure safety and cleanliness Hand out water, keep coolers filled with water and ice, monitor bottles/trash at water stationsCheck trash bins throughout the event, replace liners, and keep walkways clearManage dessert service, assist vendors servingOther tasks as needed8pm - 10pm Staff barricades/closure points and ensure only authorized vehicles & personnel enters restricted areasCheck trash bins, replaces liners, and clear areaAssist vendors in teardown, transporting equipment and load vehiclesAssist United Way staff in cleanup, teardown, and loading/transporting equipment/supplies etc.Other tasks as needed

General Requirements:

Volunteers “respond” below to available shifts or “respond as a team” to reserve spots for colleagues, family, and friends.Volunteers arrive for check-in at the Volunteer Hub 15 minutes prior to their shift start Volunteers agree to adhere to all safety measures implemented Ability to lift 15 lbs Bending, stooping, walking and twisting Ability to stand on concrete and/or grass for long periods of time  Heat tolerant, this is an outdoor only event Positive and compassionate customer service skills Sign the waiver upon arrival to your selected shift Personal transportation to the event  Note: If you require accommodations to participate, please contact the site supervisor to discuss how we can best support you! 

Attire:

Attire should be comfortable and cool; this is an outdoor event with limited shade so dress accordingly (and don’t forget your sunscreen!) Close toed tennis shoes, sneakers or boots requiredYou'll receive a Volunteer T-shirt at check-in

Event Address:

Pack Square Park
80 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801

*** Please allow time to park and walk to the volunteer hub! ***


 To sign up for this volunteer project, simply

Click "respond" above to secure your spot and receive next step instructions from Buncombe County Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!

Organization: United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 28801

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: STEAM Education Volunteer

Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is the center for expert STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) learning in Western North Carolina. Our mission is to spark imagination and foster lifelong curiosity through exhibits, in-house, and outreach STEAM education programs. This volunteer position will help with prep for outreach, provide staff support during field trips and after hours programs, and engage with visitors as Educator On Duty with STEAM activities.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Exhibit maintenance, cleaning glass and plexiglass Preparing educational activity kits Act as educator on duty, leading STEAM activities with patrons

Requirements:

Background Check required for those 18+ Phone Interview prior to starting Confidentiality waiver and onboarding forms to be signed

Skills Required: 

Ability and desire to interact with a diverse population on STEAM subjects

Attire:

Comfortable and clean No offensive graphics

Location:

Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave, Asheville,  NC 28801

Health and Safety:

Masks, gloves, and ear protection are available if desired

To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization Or email cthuman@ashevillescience.org

Organization: Asheville Museum of Science

Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is the center for expert STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) learning in Western North Carolina. Our mission is to spark imagination and foster lifelong curiosity through exhibits, in-house, and outreach STEAM education programs. This volunteer position will help with prep for outreach, provide staff support during field trips and after hours programs, and engage with visitors as Educator On Duty with STEAM activities.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Exhibit maintenance, cleaning glass and plexiglass Preparing educational activity kits Act as educator on duty, leading STEAM activities with patrons

Requirements:

Background Check required for those 18+ Phone Interview prior to starting Confidentiality waiver and onboarding forms to be signed

Skills Required: 

Ability and desire to interact with a diverse population on STEAM subjects

Attire:

Comfortable and clean No offensive graphics

Location:

Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave, Asheville,  NC 28801

Health and Safety:

Masks, gloves, and ear protection are available if desired

To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization Or email cthuman@ashevillescience.org

Organization: Asheville Museum of Science

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28801

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Tutor K-12 Students in Literacy or ESOL


Literacy Together (formerly The Literacy Council of Buncombe County) Volunteer Tutors provide free, customized, one-on-one tutoring for elementary or middle-school students in Asheville City or Buncombe County schools who are working to improve English speaking, reading, writing, and spelling skills. Tutors work with students for about 45 minutes, two days a week, in an afterschool or classroom setting during school days. We are now seeking students for English as a Second Language programs as well as basic reading instruction.


Volunteer Responsibilities:

Take 8 hours of trainingTutor for 2 hours weekly with one student or a small group of studentsReport your volunteer hours and student progress once a month


Requirements:

On-line volunteer orientationCompletion of trainingCommitment of one semester

Skills Required: 

Curiosity and compassion for students who struggle with schoolworkWillingness to learn alongside your studentTwo references and background check

Location:

Tutors meet with students in Buncombe County or Asheville City schools or at one of two afterschool locations in the city limits. Tutors can request a school closest to them. 



To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization or sign up for an on-line volunteer orientation at lit-together.org


Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.






Organization: Literacy Together


Literacy Together (formerly The Literacy Council of Buncombe County) Volunteer Tutors provide free, customized, one-on-one tutoring for elementary or middle-school students in Asheville City or Buncombe County schools who are working to improve English speaking, reading, writing, and spelling skills. Tutors work with students for about 45 minutes, two days a week, in an afterschool or classroom setting during school days. We are now seeking students for English as a Second Language programs as well as basic reading instruction.


Volunteer Responsibilities:

Take 8 hours of trainingTutor for 2 hours weekly with one student or a small group of studentsReport your volunteer hours and student progress once a month


Requirements:

On-line volunteer orientationCompletion of trainingCommitment of one semester

Skills Required: 

Curiosity and compassion for students who struggle with schoolworkWillingness to learn alongside your studentTwo references and background check

Location:

Tutors meet with students in Buncombe County or Asheville City schools or at one of two afterschool locations in the city limits. Tutors can request a school closest to them. 



To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization or sign up for an on-line volunteer orientation at lit-together.org


Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.






Organization: Literacy Together

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28801

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Big Brothers Big Sisters: Community-Based Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina’s mission is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. As part of the United 4 Youth network, we supervise mentorship programs between volunteers (Bigs) and community youth (Littles) aged 7-15. Bigs spend their time cooking, gardening, hiking, and exploring with their Littles to spark their passions and ignite their potential.

BBBSWNC is looking for volunteers to serve as one-to-one mentors to youth aged 7-15. Volunteers must have availability for two-to-four (2-4) hours two (2) times a month. Volunteers must be available on weekends and occasionally on weeknights.

Asheville City and Buncombe County are diverse communities with students of all backgrounds, including many BIPOC students. BBBS encourages volunteers of color and male volunteers to apply for this opportunity. 

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers must commit to 2 - 4 hours biweekly.

Volunteers must commit to volunteering for one (1) calendar year.

Volunteer Requirements

Please "RESPOND" to this opportunity above

18 years of age or older

Personal transportation

Complete BBBS application and interview

Complete a background check

Experience working with youth encouraged

Skills Required: 

Demonstrate Reliability: Meet with your Little for 2 - 4 hours biweekly for one calendar year. Showing up for your Little is vital.

Foster Aspirations/Mentorship Relationship: Support your Little in thinking about their hopes, dreams, and future goals while fostering your connection and mentorship.

Encourage Academic Growth/Personal Sparks: Help your Little build confidence, skills and personal sparks.

Remain Flexible: Be flexible when outings are occasionally disrupted or need to be rescheduled. 

Maintain Program Communication: Stay in regular monthly contact with your Program Coordinator and your Little's family to ensure a strong mentorship.


Attire

Use your best judgement to dress appropriately for a school setting.


Location:

Where you live or work will be heavily considered when matching you with your Little. The address listed on this site is our office location in the United Way Building.

Health/Safety:

Once accepted, volunteers will be interviewed, get background and reference checks, and complete a virtual 60-minute safety training.

To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to receive next-step instructions from our organization

Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.






Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina’s mission is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. As part of the United 4 Youth network, we supervise mentorship programs between volunteers (Bigs) and community youth (Littles) aged 7-15. Bigs spend their time cooking, gardening, hiking, and exploring with their Littles to spark their passions and ignite their potential.

BBBSWNC is looking for volunteers to serve as one-to-one mentors to youth aged 7-15. Volunteers must have availability for two-to-four (2-4) hours two (2) times a month. Volunteers must be available on weekends and occasionally on weeknights.

Asheville City and Buncombe County are diverse communities with students of all backgrounds, including many BIPOC students. BBBS encourages volunteers of color and male volunteers to apply for this opportunity. 

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers must commit to 2 - 4 hours biweekly.

Volunteers must commit to volunteering for one (1) calendar year.

Volunteer Requirements

Please "RESPOND" to this opportunity above

18 years of age or older

Personal transportation

Complete BBBS application and interview

Complete a background check

Experience working with youth encouraged

Skills Required: 

Demonstrate Reliability: Meet with your Little for 2 - 4 hours biweekly for one calendar year. Showing up for your Little is vital.

Foster Aspirations/Mentorship Relationship: Support your Little in thinking about their hopes, dreams, and future goals while fostering your connection and mentorship.

Encourage Academic Growth/Personal Sparks: Help your Little build confidence, skills and personal sparks.

Remain Flexible: Be flexible when outings are occasionally disrupted or need to be rescheduled. 

Maintain Program Communication: Stay in regular monthly contact with your Program Coordinator and your Little's family to ensure a strong mentorship.


Attire

Use your best judgement to dress appropriately for a school setting.


Location:

Where you live or work will be heavily considered when matching you with your Little. The address listed on this site is our office location in the United Way Building.

Health/Safety:

Once accepted, volunteers will be interviewed, get background and reference checks, and complete a virtual 60-minute safety training.

To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to receive next-step instructions from our organization

Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.






Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28801

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteers for a Church Reading Program needed!

Hands Enriching Lives Positively (H.E.L.P.) programs provides free, culturally responsive afterschool tutoring and academic mentoring in math and English for under-resourced Buncombe County students in grades 4–12 to strengthen proficiency and support on-time graduation.

Through small-group tutoring, one-on-one homework assistance, literacy intervention, and enrichment, students strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom performance, and build the confidence and engagement necessary to remain on track for on-time graduation.

 

 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

·         Teachers (retired) / Tutor assign reading activities for students to complete

·         Teachers (retired) / Tutor monitor monitor student progress and understanding

·         Teachers (retired) / Tutor use results to support and improve learning

 

Requirements:

·         Background check 

·         Completion of application

·         Completion of orientation and training

·         Interview

 

Skills Required: 

·         Strong reading and communication skills

·         Patience and ability to work with students

·         Reliable and able to follow instructions

·         Positive and compassionate

·         Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills

·         Having basic computer skills

·         Teaching background (preferably English Teachers)

 

Attire:

·         Business casual

·         Comfortable, close-toed shoes

·         Long pants with no visible holes or tears 

 

Location: St. Paul Baptist Church / Hands Enriching Lives Positively,

                 170 Fayetteville St., Asheville, NC 28806

 

Health and Safety:

·         Hand sanitizer/gel is available on site



To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization

Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!


Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.












H.E.L.P.’s afterschool program expands free, high-quality afterschool academic support for students in grades 4–12 who are performing below grade level in math and English, with a focus on populations in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools that experience the largest graduation gaps. Through small-group tutoring, one-on-one homework assistance, literacy intervention, and enrichment, students strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom performance, and build the confidence and engagement necessary to remain on track for on-time graduation.

H.E.L.P.’s afterschool program expands free, high-quality afterschool academic support for students in grades 4–12 who are performing below grade level in math and English, with a focus on populations in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools that experience the largest graduation gaps. Through small-group tutoring, one-on-one homework assistance, literacy intervention, and enrichment, students strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom performance, and build the confidence and engagement necessary to remain on track for on-time graduation.



Organization: Hands Enriching Lives Positively

Hands Enriching Lives Positively (H.E.L.P.) programs provides free, culturally responsive afterschool tutoring and academic mentoring in math and English for under-resourced Buncombe County students in grades 4–12 to strengthen proficiency and support on-time graduation.

Through small-group tutoring, one-on-one homework assistance, literacy intervention, and enrichment, students strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom performance, and build the confidence and engagement necessary to remain on track for on-time graduation.

 

 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

·         Teachers (retired) / Tutor assign reading activities for students to complete

·         Teachers (retired) / Tutor monitor monitor student progress and understanding

·         Teachers (retired) / Tutor use results to support and improve learning

 

Requirements:

·         Background check 

·         Completion of application

·         Completion of orientation and training

·         Interview

 

Skills Required: 

·         Strong reading and communication skills

·         Patience and ability to work with students

·         Reliable and able to follow instructions

·         Positive and compassionate

·         Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills

·         Having basic computer skills

·         Teaching background (preferably English Teachers)

 

Attire:

·         Business casual

·         Comfortable, close-toed shoes

·         Long pants with no visible holes or tears 

 

Location: St. Paul Baptist Church / Hands Enriching Lives Positively,

                 170 Fayetteville St., Asheville, NC 28806

 

Health and Safety:

·         Hand sanitizer/gel is available on site



To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply

Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next-step instructions from our organization

Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!


Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.












H.E.L.P.’s afterschool program expands free, high-quality afterschool academic support for students in grades 4–12 who are performing below grade level in math and English, with a focus on populations in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools that experience the largest graduation gaps. Through small-group tutoring, one-on-one homework assistance, literacy intervention, and enrichment, students strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom performance, and build the confidence and engagement necessary to remain on track for on-time graduation.

H.E.L.P.’s afterschool program expands free, high-quality afterschool academic support for students in grades 4–12 who are performing below grade level in math and English, with a focus on populations in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools that experience the largest graduation gaps. Through small-group tutoring, one-on-one homework assistance, literacy intervention, and enrichment, students strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom performance, and build the confidence and engagement necessary to remain on track for on-time graduation.



Organization: Hands Enriching Lives Positively

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28806

Allow Groups: No