Asheville, August 17, 2025
News Summary
In response to the increasing demand for school supplies due to Hurricane Helene’s impact, Eblen Charities is hosting several back-to-school supply events in Asheville. On August 13, a distribution event will take place at the AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness Opportunity Center, providing free backpacks and essential supplies. Additionally, John McClung Roofing’s Backpack Giveaway on August 16 aims to give away 1,000 filled backpacks. These initiatives highlight the community’s effort to support students and families affected by recent challenges.
Asheville – Eblen Charities is addressing the increased demand for school supplies in the Asheville area by launching multiple back-to-school supply events. This initiative comes in response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, which has exacerbated the need for essential items among local students. On August 13, Eblen Charities will host a second distribution event at the AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness Opportunity Center, providing free backpacks, pencils, and other school supplies from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
As a significant number of children prepare to return to school, Kathy Soule from Eblen Charities highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that children have the necessary supplies to start the academic year on the right foot. With many families in a difficult position due to the hurricane, the assistance being offered is crucial for helping students feel prepared and secure.
Another essential initiative is the annual Backpack Giveaway organized by John McClung Roofing, scheduled for August 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Edington Center. This event aims to distribute 1,000 filled backpacks to children across Western North Carolina, ensuring that those most in need receive the supplies to support their education. The event is being supported by several local sponsors, including Best Buy Metals, ABC Supply, and Walmart, enhancing the effort to impact a larger number of students.
Previously, the Asheville Dream Center also made strides in addressing the school supply needs of local students by hosting a summer bash backpack giveaway on July 26. This event aimed to provide fully stocked backpacks and essential school supplies to 4,000 students. The community engagement during this event was significant, with over 2,000 volunteers participating—an astonishing increase from the mere 300 registered volunteers in the previous year. Participants were treated to a city-wide celebration that included food distribution, haircuts for children, new clothing, and of course, school supplies.
These back-to-school initiatives come amid ongoing community challenges, including a recent increase in drug-related activities which prompted the Asheville Police Department to make four arrests at Murray Hill Park as part of their efforts to enhance community safety. Additionally, a cultural event is approaching that may provide a sense of joy for residents; the first Asheville Film Festival will take place from August 15 to 17, featuring a variety of films along with an Oscars-style awards gala, offering an opportunity for communal celebration outside of the educational support initiatives.
Upcoming Events Summary
- Eblen Charities School Supply Distribution: August 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness Opportunity Center, 216 Ashland Ave.
- John McClung Roofing Backpack Giveaway: August 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Edington Center, 133 Livingston St.
- Asheville Film Festival: August 15 to 17, showcasing various films with an awards gala.
Background Context
The rise in demand for school supplies in Asheville this year is directly linked to the effects of Hurricane Helene, which left many families struggling. School supplies are crucial for students’ educational success, and these events are part of a broader community effort to provide support and resources to families in need. The Asheville Dream Center’s increased volunteer participation underscores the community’s willingness to assist and uplift one another as academic pressures mount in the wake of recent challenges.
FAQ Section
What are the upcoming back-to-school supply distribution events in Asheville?
Eblen Charities is hosting a supply distribution on August 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness Opportunity Center. Additionally, John McClung Roofing will hold a Backpack Giveaway on August 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Edington Center.
Why is there an increased need for school supplies this year?
The need for school supplies has increased this year due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, which has left many families in financially challenging situations.
How can individuals volunteer or contribute to these initiatives?
Individuals interested in volunteering or contributing can contact the organizing organizations, like Eblen Charities or the Asheville Dream Center, to learn about available opportunities and how to help.
Event Features Chart
| Event Name | Date | Time | Location | Supplies Provided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eblen Charities School Supply Distribution | August 13 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness Opportunity Center | Backpacks, pencils, and school supplies |
| John McClung Roofing Backpack Giveaway | August 16 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Edington Center | 1,000 filled backpacks |
| Asheville Film Festival | August 15 – 17 | All day | Various locations | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Community Provides Support for Back-to-School Events
Asheville Families Receive Free School Supplies After Hurricane Helene
John McClung Roofing Hosts Annual Backpack Giveaway in Asheville
Asheville Community Receives Essential Services from Local Church and Convoy
Asheville Families Prepare for Back-to-School Activities
Asheville Families Gear Up for School Year with Community Support
Asheville, NC Faces Devastation from Hurricane Helene
Local Graduate Organizes Blood Drives to Support Community
Asheville Dream Center Hosts Annual Backpack Giveaway
The Need for Succession Planning in Garden Centers
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Eblen Charities Gives Free School Supplies
- 828 News Now: Backpack Giveaway in Asheville
- MSN: Eblen Charities School Supplies Distribution
- WLOS: Asheville Backpack Giveaway Highlights
- 828 News Now: Giveaways Galore in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Asheville backpack giveaway
- Google Scholar: Community support school supplies
- Google News: School supplies Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
