Needs From: Togetherhood

Help kids build confidence, safety skills, and a lifelong respect for water.

For more than 15 years, Y Splash has been a trusted YMCA program that teaches children essential water safety skills using the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum. Through fun, hands-on learning stations, kids gain the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe in and around the water.

As a Y Splash volunteer, you’ll play a meaningful role in guiding students through interactive safety activities—no teaching experience required and most roles do not require entering the water.

When you arrive, you’ll be assigned to a station based on need.

Each volunteer receives a laminated, easy-to-follow curriculum with clear instructions and talking points.

YMCA Aquatics staff are on-site to lead, support, and ensure a smooth experience.

Reach or Throw – Water Rescue Basics (Dry Role)
Help students learn how to assist someone in trouble in the water without jumping in themselves. Volunteers guide kids in practicing safe rescue techniques using reaching and throwing tools.

Think So You Don’t Sink – Floating & Self-Rescue Skills (May involve water)
Support students as they practice floating on their backs, blowing bubbles, and learning the “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” technique—an essential skill if they ever find themselves in water over their head.

Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket – Life Jacket & Canoe Safety (Water-based station)
Help students learn how to properly wear a life jacket, safely enter and exit a canoe, and jump into the water while wearing their jacket to experience how it supports them.

Important note: Not all volunteers will be placed in water-based roles. Two of the three stations can be completed entirely on deck.

Clear instructions and support throughout the program

A welcoming, upbeat environment focused on encouragement and safety

The chance to directly impact children by teaching skills that truly save lives

January 12 – Eastfield Global Magnet School

January 19 – Homeschool Co-Op

January 26 – Pleasant Gardens Elementary

February 2 – Nebo Elementary

February 9 – Marion Elementary

February 16 – North Cove Elementary

February 23 – Glenwood Elementary

March 2 – Old Fort Elementary

March 9 – West Marion Elementary

Volunteers will arrive prior to the start time to receive direction and be placed into stations as needed. All materials and guidance will be provided on-site

Y Splash equips children with confidence and practical skills that extend far beyond the pool. Your time helps ensure every child has a positive, empowering experience—and a safer future around water.

Come ready to encourage, engage, and make a splash in the best possible way.

Turn your strength into service.

Each Monday afternoon, the YMCA Nutrition Hub in Woodfin receives a food delivery from MANNA FoodBank — and we need dependable volunteers to help unload and move inventory that supports families across our community.

This is hands-on, active volunteer work. You’ll help unload pallets of canned goods, produce, and bulk food items (including bags up to 50 lbs). If you enjoy physical activity and want to make an immediate, tangible impact, this opportunity is for you.

Think of it as a group workout with purpose.

Unload food deliveries from MANNA trucks

Move boxed and palletized goods into the Nutrition Hub

Lift and organize bulk items (including 40–50 lb bags)

Work alongside staff to ensure food is stored safely and efficiently

We are forming a consistent 3-person unloading team each week.
If you’re able to serve regularly, even better — consistency strengthens the mission.

Unloading MANNA food deliveries

Moving and organizing palletized food and bulk items

Working side-by-side with YMCA staff to prepare food for distribution

Helping ensure families receive fresh food quickly and efficiently

You’ll leave knowing exactly what you accomplished.

This is an active role. Volunteers should:

Be comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs

Be able to stand, bend, and move continuously during the shift

Feel confident handling repetitive lifting

If you enjoy functional fitness or strength training, this is a natural fit.

YMCA members who like to stay active

Group Ex friends who want to serve together

Staff teams looking for a meaningful, energizing service opportunity

Anyone who wants to turn physical effort into tangible impact

Before food reaches a family, someone has to move it. Every truck unloaded directly supports food access efforts in our community.

Your effort helps move thousands of pounds of food efficiently and safely, ensuring families receive what they need without delay.

This is more than unloading a truck — it’s strengthening the system that feeds our neighbors.

Montmorenci UMC’s Free Community Meal provides a warm dinner and fellowship for neighbors each month. This event happens every third Thursday of the month.
Volunteers play a key role in making it happen.

We’re looking for helping hands in the meal preparation process—chopping, cooking, and assembling dishes in the church kitchen before guests arrive.

No professional experience is required—just a willingness to serve and work as part of a team. By volunteering, you’ll help ensure every guest enjoys a fresh, home-cooked meal and a night of hospitality.

Montmorenci UMC’s Free Community Meal provides a warm dinner and fellowship for neighbors each month.  This event happens every third Thursday of the month. 

Volunteers play a key role in making it happen and are needed to help serve meals to guests.
As a serving volunteer, you’ll plate and distribute food, offer drinks, and help ensure every guest feels welcomed and cared for.

No prior experience needed—just a warm heart and a willingness to serve. This is a great opportunity to connect directly with community members, share kindness with a smile, and make the evening run smoothly.

All volunteers must complete their registration through SignUpGenius to finalize participation and receive role assignments and event details. 

REGISTER HERE: Complete Registration!

Join us in the community as volunteers will support the Ira B. Jones Donut 8K! 

These are  community race benefiting Ira B. Jones Elementary School. This event brings together runners, families, and neighbors for a fun, high-energy morning focused on fitness and community connection.

Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring a safe, organized, and welcoming experience for all participants.

Specific roles will be assigned based on Signup Genius registration and event needs.

All volunteers will receive on-site direction from event leads. Shift times will vary depending on the role that you register for.

YMCA members and community volunteers

Families are welcome

Youth volunteers must be accompanied by a guardian unless otherwise specified in SignUpGenius

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Closed-toe shoes suitable for standing and walking

A positive attitude and willingness to help where needed

All necessary supplies and instructions will be provided on site.

Check-in time, location, and role details will be communicated after completing SignUpGenius registration. Please review confirmation emails carefully.

Support an important youth wellness initiative by providing meals for teens participating in Teen Mental Health First Aid training at the Downtown YMCA. These trainings equip young people with skills to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health challenges — and having a shared meal creates a welcoming, supportive environment for learning and connection.

Volunteers help make this experience possible by ensuring participants and facilitators are nourished and cared for during each session.

Provide and deliver dinner for up to 20 teens and 3 facilitators

Bring meals to the Downtown YMCA during the training window

Include any necessary serving items (plates, napkins, utensils, serving tools, etc.)

Coordinate timing with YMCA staff to ensure smooth delivery

This is a drop-off and support role — volunteers are not required to stay for the full training unless they wish to assist further.

Dinner will be served during the training window (4:00–7:00 PM)

Meals can be homemade, catered, or prepared by a group

Nutritious, teen-friendly options are encouraged

YMCA staff will provide guidance on any dietary considerations

Individuals, families, or small groups

Businesses, faith groups, or community teams welcome

Perfect opportunity for groups looking to serve together with clear impact

By providing a meal, volunteers help remove distractions, build community, and support teens as they engage in critical conversations about mental health. Your contribution directly supports youth learning, confidence, and wellbeing.

Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, weave, or work with textiles?
The YMCA Afterschool Program at W.D. Williams Elementary is seeking volunteers to lead weekly fiber arts activities for elementary-aged children.

Volunteers will work with small groups of students at the same time each week, guiding them through simple, hands-on fiber arts projects that build creativity, focus, and confidence.

This opportunity is a great fit for:

Active adults looking for meaningful, consistent volunteer engagement

Fiber artists, crafters, and makers

Anyone with fiber arts skills who enjoys working with children

What You’ll Do

Teach basic fiber arts techniques (no formal teaching experience required)

Support children as they work through projects

Encourage creativity, patience, and problem-solving

Serve as a positive, dependable presence for students

Time Commitment

Once per week, same day and time

60–90 minutes per session

Consistency is important for building relationships and program success

Why This Matters
Fiber arts help children:

Strengthen fine motor skills

Improve focus and self-regulation

Experience pride in creating something by hand

Your skills—and your consistency—make a real difference.

Please submit your Fiber Art craft and scheduling availability and a Togetherhood member will follow up with next steps. 

Help spark excitement and connect members to meaningful service by volunteering at a Member Support Table inside the Woodfin YMCA. This role is all about welcoming, informing, and encouraging fellow members to participate in the upcoming community clean-up event taking place around Old Leicester Highway on March 14th!

If you enjoy talking with people, answering questions, and helping others take the next step toward service, this is a great way to make an impact—before the clean-up even begins.

Staff a Member Support Table in a high-traffic area of the YMCA

Share information about the upcoming community clean-up event

Encourage members to register and get involved

Answer basic questions and help direct members to sign-up resources

Help create a welcoming, service-oriented atmosphere in the center

Flyers and sign-up information will be provided

YMCA staff and site leads will be available for support

No setup or cleanup responsibilities beyond the table itself

YMCA members who enjoy engaging with others

Friendly, approachable volunteers who like being a connector

No prior volunteer experience required

Strong events start with strong engagement. By serving at the Member Support Table, you’re helping turn awareness into action—ensuring more neighbors show up, serve together, and make a visible difference in the community.

Your conversations help set the tone for a successful day of service.

Join fellow YMCA members and community partners for a hands-on day of service that makes a visible difference. Together, we’ll care for Old Leicester Highway, a well-traveled Woodfin corridor, by removing litter and debris and helping create a cleaner, safer environment for neighbors, families, and everyone who travels through the area. This is a chance to show up for the community, connect with others, and leave a lasting positive impact.

Gather at Victory Baptist Church on Olivette Road and head out as a team

Help clean and beautify sections of Old Leicester Highway

Work alongside other volunteers with clear guidance and support from site leaders

See the immediate results of your service in a well-traveled community space

Increased police patrols coordinated with the Woodfin Police Department

All cleanup supplies provided by Greenworks (trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and more)

A brief safety overview and clear work boundaries shared before we begin

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Closed-toe shoes

A water bottle and anything you need for a 3-hour outdoor project

YMCA members and community volunteers

Families and groups are welcome (please follow age-appropriate guidelines)

No experience needed — just a positive attitude and a willingness to help

Community cleanups like this do more than improve a roadway — they strengthen connection, pride, and care for the places we share. By volunteering, you’re helping create safer streets, a more welcoming neighborhood, and a stronger sense of community across Woodfin and Asheville.

Join the Corpening YMCA for a neighborhood clean-up in East Marion, part of an ongoing series of community beautification efforts. This project is led in partnership with West Marion Community Forum, NC Cooperative Extension, and Keep McDowell Beautiful. 

This event focuses on creating safer, cleaner streets while strengthening connections between YMCA members and the surrounding community. This project continues the YMCA’s commitment to showing up consistently — not just once — to care for the communities we serve.

Volunteers will work in small groups to pick up litter and debris along designated streets near the meeting location.

Clean-up areas include:

Morehead Avenue

Miller Avenue

All volunteers will receive clear direction on boundaries and safety expectations at check-in.

All clean-up supplies will be provided on site, including:

Gloves

Trash bags

Trash grabbers

Safety vests

Volunteers should not bring their own equipment.

YMCA members and community volunteers

Families are welcome

Youth must be accompanied by an adult unless otherwise directed by site staff

Closed-toe shoes

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Water bottle (recommended)

Volunteers should arrive a few minutes early to check in at 635 Baldwin Ave for role assignments, safety guidance, and supplies.

This clean-up is part of a continuum of service projects aimed at building pride, care, and momentum in East Marion. Every project builds on the last — and every volunteer helps move the work forward.

Support an important youth wellness initiative by providing meals for teens participating in Teen Mental Health First Aid training at the Reuter YMCA. These trainings equip young people with skills to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health challenges — and having a shared meal creates a welcoming, supportive environment for learning and connection.

Volunteers help make this experience possible by ensuring participants and facilitators are nourished and cared for during each session.

Provide and deliver dinner for up to 20 teens and 3 facilitators

Bring meals to the Reuter YMCA during the training window

Include any necessary serving items (plates, napkins, utensils, serving tools, etc.)

Coordinate timing with YMCA staff to ensure smooth delivery

This is a drop-off and support role — volunteers are not required to stay for the full training unless they wish to assist further.

Dinner will be served during the training window (4:00–7:00 PM)

Meals can be homemade, catered, or prepared by a group

Nutritious, teen-friendly options are encouraged

YMCA staff will provide guidance on any dietary considerations

Individuals, families, or small groups

Businesses, faith groups, or community teams welcome

Perfect opportunity for groups looking to serve together with clear impact

By providing a meal, volunteers help remove distractions, build community, and support teens as they engage in critical conversations about mental health. Your contribution directly supports youth learning, confidence, and wellbeing.

Be part of the action at a local adult baseball tournament by volunteering as a scoreboard operator at Bob Lewis Park in Candler. Dinger Baseball Events is hosting a multi-day tournament, and they’re looking for volunteers to help keep games running smoothly while enjoying a great day at the ballpark.

This is a simple, low-pressure role—no experience required. You’ll receive clear instructions on site, and once the game starts, you’ll have a front-row seat to the action. It’s a great way to spend a few hours outdoors, support a community event, and enjoy the atmosphere of live baseball.

The tournament runs April 15 through May 1, and volunteers can sign up for one game or multiple games based on their availability. Each game is 7 innings and lasts approximately 2–2.5 hours, making this an easy commitment that fits into a busy schedule.

Volunteers will help operate the scoreboard during games and stay attentive to scoring and game flow. Three volunteers are needed per game.

The role is primarily seated, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a chair or umbrella for comfort. As a bonus, volunteers who serve two games back-to-back will receive a free meal and drink from the concession stand—a perfect way to refuel while enjoying the day.

In order to sign up to volunteer with Homeward Bound, please fill out an application here

Help us provide shelter during dangerous weather this winter! For the first time ever, Homeward Bound (at our AHOPE Day Center location) is participating in the county wide Code Purple/Winter Weather shelter system.

Designated Code Purple Coordinators call Code Purple 48 hours in advance, indicating that we will be opening the shelter at AHOPE.
AHOPE is one of many locations in this system, and AHOPE is focusing on supporting individuals with pets and couples that would otherwise be split up in order to access shelter. 

Volunteers are needed from 5pm to 9pm on Code Purple Nights. Volunteers assist with:

The Code Purple shelter system will be in effect from November 1st 2025 to April 30th 2026. 

**There can be no volunteers under the age of 18 years old for Code Purple volunteering.**

The Assistant Director of Homeless Services will then reach out to you to coordinate appropriate opportunities and walk you through onboarding if necessary.
New volunteers must undergo onboarding and a background check if the volunteer more than 2 times due requirements of our insurance. 

You can contact the Assistant Director of Homeless Services at volunteer@homewardboundwnc.org or 828-772-2849

Bring nourishment and connection to seniors in your community—on your schedule!

Looking for a simple, meaningful way to give back? Join us as a Homebound Food Delivery Volunteer and help bring meals—and a smile—to seniors who can’t get out on their own.

What You'll Do:

Deliver food to a set route of no more than 10 homebound seniors

Commit to just one delivery day per month

Choose the delivery date that works best for you—flexible and easy to fit into your schedule

Be a vital connection to the outside world for someone who needs it

Whether you’re looking to serve solo, with a friend, or as a family, this is a low-commitment, high-impact way to show up for your neighbors in a truly meaningful way.

Ready to make a difference in just one day a month? 
Finalize the form here to complete your volunteer registration

Lend your time. Lift a life.

Looking for a simple, flexible way to make a real impact in someone’s day? Join our Call a Ride volunteer team and help seniors stay connected, independent, and cared for—one ride at a time.

What You’ll Do:
As a Call a Ride volunteer, you’ll provide round-trip transportation for seniors who need help getting to medical appointments, the grocery store, or social events. Each ride is scheduled in advance, and you choose which rides you’d like to take—no monthly minimum required.

Key Details:

Rides take place on weekdays only

You’ll receive ride requests ahead of time and sign up based on your availability

Most rides are local, simple round-trips with grateful passengers

A great opportunity for retirees, remote workers, or anyone with a flexible schedule

This is more than just a ride—it’s a connection, a helping hand, and often the highlight of someone’s week.
Requirements:
We require a background check with a Motor Vehicle Report as well, due to the driving required and vulnerability of our clients. Drivers are also required to maintain liability insurance limits of $100,000/$300,000.

Join us and help seniors stay mobile, independent, and engaged—one ride at a time.
Finalize the form here to complete your volunteer registration

Come lend a hand to staff running our AHOPE Day Center, where we assist individuals experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County meet their basic needs and connect to vital services. We strive to end each client’s experience of homelessness and help them on their journey to permanent housing.

Opportunities at AHOPE vary each day and will involve helping Homeward Bounds staff provide day services Monday – Friday between 8am and 1pm. AHOPE is not open on weekends or federal holidays. Opportunities exist in our kitchen, mailroom, front desk, or hospitality desk (laundry/showers). We close for services at 11:30am on Wednesdays, and volunteers are welcome to stay for deeper cleaning, administrative, organizational, and/or maintenance projects on those days. Volunteers will be placed where there is the most need for the day and time for which they have signed up.

Volunteers are welcome to volunteer from 8am to 1pm, or to volunteer for shorter shifts (8am to 11am; 11am to 1pm). If you are starting at 8am – it is advised to come 10 minutes early. You can park in the Firestone Parking lot across the street from the building. In the morning, there is often a line of clients at the door. You can call the assistant director (contact below) if you are having trouble parking or getting inside.

Address
19 N Ann Street
Asheville NC 28801

Station Duties:

Kitchen
Volunteers serve coffee and donated food items (no cooking required), keep the kitchen clean and organized, and create a welcoming environment for everyone who comes through our doors. This role is a great way to provide comfort and care while ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly.

Mailroom
Bring connection and stability to clients by managing the mailroom. Volunteers distribute mail, packages, and checks, as well as voicemail messages left for clients. You may also hand out resource packets and small essentials like sewing supplies or batteries, helping neighbors stay connected and supported.

Hospitality Desk (Basement)
Hospitality Desk Volunteers hand out towels, toiletries, and other daily essentials while helping clients access lockers and supporting with laundry for showers. This role creates a welcoming environment and ensures guests feel cared for and respected.

Front Desk (First Floor)

Front Desk Volunteers assist clients by charging and labeling electronics, securing and tagging bikes, and providing access to lockers. You’ll also support case managers with light administrative tasks that make a big difference in the daily flow of services – such as logging in kind donations as they are dropped off.

New AHOPE volunteers will need to undergo a brief onboarding process and background check once they have volunteered more than 2 times. This is required by our insurance. The best way to sign up to volunteer at AHOPE is to fill out an application at homewardboundwnc.org/volunteer. The Assistant Director of Homeless Services will then reach out to you to walk you through onboarding and connect you to the most appropriate opportunities.

You can contact the Assistant Director of Homeless Services at volunteer@homewardboundwnc.org or 828-772-2849.

At our AHOPE Day Center, we strive to help clients meet their basic needs and connect them to vital services. Our goal is to end each client’s homelessness and help them as much as possible on their journey to permanent housing.

The AHOPE Day Center is open for clients 8am to 1pm on Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri. It is open 8am to 11:30am for services on Wednesdays. AHOPE is not open on weekends or federal holidays. The center serves anywhere from 150 to upwards of 300 people per day, after which there is a lot of cleaning and resetting to do! Team up with Homeward Bound staff to help refresh the Day Center at closing time. Volunteers sanitize surfaces and walls, sweep, mop, take out trash, tidy outdoor spaces, and clean bathrooms.

Cleaning occurs between 12:30pm and 3pm Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri and between 11am and 2pm on Wednesdays. Depending on the number of volunteers, there may be opportunity for more deep cleaning and organizational projects if the daily cleaning is complete.

**If you have a group of volunteers interested in helping with cleaning, please contact the assistant director to coordinate.**

New AHOPE volunteers will need to undergo a brief onboarding process and background check once they have volunteered more than 2 times. This is required by our insurance. The best way to sign up to volunteer at AHOPE is to fill out an application at homewardboundwnc.org/volunteer. The Assistant Director of Homeless Services will then reach out to you to walk you through onboarding and connect you to the most meaningful opportunities.

You can contact the Assistant Director of Homeless Services at volunteer@homewardboundwnc.org or 828-772-2849.

** Any volunteers under the age of 18 can not be on site until 1pm (11:30pm on Wed) and must be accompanied by an adult** 

upport Aspire Youth & Family by assisting with the safe transportation of youth members from designated schools to Aspire program locations. Volunteers play an important operational role in ensuring youth arrive on time and ready to participate in after-school services.

What You’ll Do

Provide reliable transportation assistance using Aspire Youth & Family vans

Follow assigned routes and schedules

Communicate directly with program staff to coordinate arrivals and drop-offs

Support youth with positive engagement while maintaining a safe environment

Volunteer Requirements

Must be 25 years or older

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (confirm specifics with Aspire)

Complete Aspire’s volunteer application and successful background check

Availability during scheduled transport times

Ability to follow program safety protocols and confidentiality practices

Why This Matters
Reliable transportation enables youth to access programming, connect with peers, and benefit from continued support — helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Serve as a Mentor with Aspire Youth & Family to provide consistent encouragement, guidance, and support to youth participants. Mentors help young people build confidence, social skills, and academic motivation.

What You’ll Do

Meet regularly with assigned youth to build trusting relationships

Provide encouragement, support, and guidance tailored to the young person’s needs

Engage in activities that promote social, emotional, and academic growth

Act as a positive adult role model and advocate

Volunteer Requirements

Must be 25 years or older

Complete Aspire’s volunteer application

Successful background check

Willingness to maintain confidentiality and follow program protocols

Dependability, reliability, and a commitment to supporting youth growth

Why This Matters
Strong, consistent mentorship helps young people feel valued, build resilience, and make positive choices that support long-term success.