2026 School Supply Drive - Pack and Sort Event

Description

This event is brought to you by our partners at Aeroflow Health.


United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is dedicated to creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. One way we achieve this is through our annual School Supply Drive. Since 2007, our Volunteer Center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, has mobilized the community to equip over 23,000 students with fully stocked backpacks for the new school year.


We need your help! Join us for the Pack and Sort Event, sponsored by Aeroflow Health, the grand finale of our Annual School Supply Drive on July 28th & 29th. Volunteers will assist with setup, packing backpacks, event breakdown, and loading backpacks for distribution to elementary, middle, and high school students.


Volunteer Tasks:

  • Setting up event space

  • Packing school supplies into backpacks

  • Breaking down event space

  • Loading backpacks for distribution


Requirements:

  • Click the "respond" button to sign up for available shifts or click the "respond as a team" button to reserve spots for yourself, colleagues, family, and friends.

  • Adhere to all safety measures.

  • Ability to lift at least 25lbs.

  • Comfortable with bending, stooping, walking, and twisting.

  • Ability to stand on concrete for extended periods.

  • Tolerant of warm conditions (no air-conditioning; fans available).

  • Sign a waiver upon arrival.

  • Contact the site supervisor if you require accommodations.


Shift Dates and Descriptions:

  • Tuesday, July 28th: 

    • First Shift: Preparing the space and materials for packing

    • Second, Third & Fourth Shifts: Packing backpacks with school supplies.

  • Wednesday, July 29th:

    • AM: Finish packing backpacks and clean the space for distribution.

    • PM: Load backpacks into vehicles, break down and clean the space

Location:

Harrah's Cherokee Center, Lower Exhibition Hall, 44 Hiawassee Street, Asheville, NC 28801


General Information:

  • Breakfast bars, snacks, and drinks will be provided for all shifts.

  • Lunch will be provided for volunteers during 11 am - 1 pm shifts.


Attire:

  • Wear comfortable, cool clothing suitable for moving around and standing on concrete.

  • If part of a company team, wear a shirt with your team’s logo.

  • Close-toed shoes (tennis shoes, sneakers, or boots) are required.


To sign up:

  • Click "respond" or “respond as a team” to secure your spot and receive further instructions. 

  • Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!


No shifts available during the times you would like to volunteer? Consider helping us in a different capacity at the Pack & Sort event as a Behind the Scenes Volunteer! Click HERE to learn more.


Thank you to our partners at First Citizens Bank for sponsoring the Volunteer Lounge at the Pack & Sort event!

Details

Get Connected Icon 5 and older
Team Size Team Size: Maximum 10 members per team
Get Connected Icon Is Family Friendly
Get Connected Icon Is Not Outdoors
Get Connected Icon Youth must be accompanied with a guardian
Get Connected Icon All youth must be registered!

Location

Location Dot Shift 44 Hiawassee Street
Asheville, NC  28801

Shifts

Begins Registration Closes Duration Open Spots Respond
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 9:00am
to 11:00am
2.00 hours 8 of 20
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 11:00am
to 1:00pm
2.00 hours 0 of 20 Full
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 1:00pm
to 3:00pm
2.00 hours 0 of 20 Full
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 3:00pm
to 5:00pm
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 2:00pm 2.00 hours 6 of 25
Wed Jul 29, 2026 @ 9:00am
to 11:00am
2.00 hours 0 of 20 Full
Wed Jul 29, 2026 @ 11:00am
to 1:00pm
2.00 hours 5 of 20
Wed Jul 29, 2026 @ 1:00pm
to 3:00pm
2.00 hours 14 of 20
Wed Jul 29, 2026 @ 3:00pm
to 5:00pm
2.00 hours 20 of 20