By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Dept.
Our local public schools not only serve as venues for a quality education, but as community hubs for neighbors to serve one another. That’s the idea behind the Buncombe County Schools “supply closet,” which is intended to help ease the burden on families facing crises in their lives, and enable students to be successful in the classroom.
“It could be illness or maybe they lost their home to a fire or a hurricane on the coast,” explained BCS' youth in transition coordinator Ms. Christine Craft. “Whether it’s food for the weekend or a few days of toiletries, our school community is always wrapping their arms around their families in need.”
On Valentine’s Day, a truck labeled Hearts With Hands backed up to a side entrance of the BCS central office. President and director Greg Lentz emerged from the truck and was met by volunteers from his disaster-relief organization, along with helpers from BCS and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County's Hands On team. A large pallet of colorful supply boxes was unloaded, each labeled “Box of Hope.” Inside were helpful items donated by local corporations and individuals, including foods and snacks, toiletries, cleaning products, school supplies, and more.
“Several years ago, we connected with the school system here in Buncombe County,” explained Lentz as he unloaded boxes from the trailer onto a cart. “This is one arm of what Hearts With Hands can do to give back and be a blessing in our community.”
Craft explained that it is school staff in the front office, bus drivers, teachers, administrators, and counselors who are on the “front line” of identifying needs.
“They’re with these students every day, so they know their needs and struggles. When something arises, we all come together to try to help our families,” she said.
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Learn more about getting involved with
Hearts With Hands and
Hands On / United Way of Asheville-Buncombe.