The night before Hurricane Helene, rain poured down, but that didn’t stop a group of young Eaton volunteers from fulfilling their commitment to show robotics building a group of middle schoolers from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS).

Our world can feel fractured and chaotic at times and with so much uncertainty, creating spaces where people feel safe, heard, and valued has never been more critical. At United Way Asheville Buncombe County (UWABC), the front desk isn’t just a place to check in— it's a place where warmth and kindness set the tone for every visitor who walks through the doors. Cindy, our Office Manager, greets everyone with a smile and embodies this spirit of welcome and connection.

When you meet Summer, you instantly feel at ease. She’s warm, passionate, and full of energy—a self-described lover and “summer child” whose enthusiasm for helping others is undeniable. As a mother of two, a dedicated employee at Tanger Outlets, and an active member of our community, Summer embodies what it means to give back.

This story was shared with the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe staff from out-of-state volunteer Pat Leuzzi. Out of the blue, UWABC staff got a lovely email with a document attached -- it was Pat sharing his experiences using Hands On to connect with several local organizations doing Helene relief and recovery work. As staff, we always love to read about your experiences. They inform our work, motivate us, and fuel our dedication to ensuring that ALL people in our community can thrive.