2026 School Supply Drive - Pack and Sort Behind the Scenes Volunteers

Description

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


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 with behind-the-scenes work while the main Pack & Sort event is happening! Volunteers will assist with registration, running the volunteer lounge, traffic flow and parking, and helping to keep the main packing floor tidy and organized. These behind-the-scenes volunteers will play a big role in making the event volunteers feel welcomed and informed about what is needed during each shift. Volunteers will rotate through the different tasks during the four-hour shift. If you would like to be a behind-the-scenes volunteer but cannot commit to a 4 hour shift please indicate in the notes section when you sign up how long you can volunteer.   


Volunteer Tasks:

  • Assist in checking in volunteers as they arrive, ensuring they have signed waivers

  • Run the Volunteer Lounge, keeping snacks and drink displays stocked and clean

  • Provide clear instructions to volunteers arriving on where to park

  • Help keep the main packing floor tidy and organized


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 Times:

  • Monday, July 27th: 

    • AM: 9:00am-2:00pm (support United Way staff with supply inventory)

  • Tuesday, July 28th: 

    • AM: 8:30am-12:30pm

    • PM: 12:30pm-4:30pm

  • Wednesday, July 29th:

    • AM: 8:30am-12:30pm

    • PM: 12:30pm-4:30pm


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 


Attire:

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

  • Wear a United Way T-shirt. One will be provided if you do not have one.

  • 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!


PLEASE NOTE: The volunteers who sign up for this volunteer opportunity will not be packing backpacks! To participate in that part of the Pack & Sort event, please click HERE

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: 2 - 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
Mon Jul 27, 2026 @ 9:00am
to 2:00pm
5.00 hours 4 of 6
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 8:30am
to 12:30pm
4.00 hours 5 of 5
Tue Jul 28, 2026 @ 12:30pm
to 4:30pm
4.00 hours 3 of 5
Wed Jul 29, 2026 @ 8:30am
to 12:30pm
4.00 hours 5 of 5
Wed Jul 29, 2026 @ 12:30pm
to 4:30pm
4.00 hours 3 of 5