Buncombe County, July 28, 2025
News Summary
Buncombe County is launching a school supplies drive aimed at providing essential items to over 300 children in foster care as they prepare for the new school year. The drive, organized by Buncombe County Social Work Services, will run from July 22 through July 31, encouraging local residents to donate supplies suitable for children aged 0 to 18. The initiative seeks to relieve the challenges foster families face during back-to-school transitions while also addressing ongoing resource strains due to recent storm damage in the area.
Buncombe County Launches School Supplies Drive for Over 300 Foster Children as New School Year Approaches
Buncombe County is initiating a school supplies drive to support over 300 children currently in foster care, with more than half of them preparing to return to school next month. The program, organized by Buncombe County Social Work Services, aims to ensure that all 325 foster children in the Asheville area are equipped with essential school supplies.
The collection campaign will run from Tuesday, July 22, through Thursday, July 31, 2023. Local residents are encouraged to donate various school supplies suitable for children aged zero to 18 years. Collection boxes are placed at several accessible locations throughout the county, available during regular business hours until the end of the month.
The initiative aims to alleviate the stress typically associated with the back-to-school transition for both students and their foster families. Amy Huntsman, a Foster Care Supervisor, reported that the foster care population faces ongoing challenges exacerbated by recent storm damage, putting additional strain on community resources. Many foster families in North Carolina are currently navigating difficulties linked to a disaster declaration in the area.
In light of these circumstances, local organizations are working hard to support 90 foster families impacted by the storm. This includes transporting evacuees and vital supplies to those affected. Ongoing efforts encompass providing basic necessities like formula, diapers, and medical supplies to families in need.
As the new school year approaches, collected school supplies will be delivered to youth in foster care next month. Any surplus will be distributed to families receiving prevention services, further enhancing community support for those in need. Beyond school supplies, mental health support is also being offered—therapists are providing pro bono sessions to assist foster families in coping with trauma.
Dr. Robin Gurwitch, a psychologist, emphasizes the importance of stability, especially for children during times of crisis. Children often possess fears related to changes in their environments, making consistent routines crucial for their emotional well-being as they navigate through difficult times. President Joe Biden is set to survey the affected disaster area, aiming to gain insight into the storm’s impact and support federal aid requests that have surged amid growing appeals for assistance from FEMA.
The Buncombe County school supplies drive is more than an initiative to gather resources for students; it represents the community’s solidarity in supporting its most vulnerable members. As the back-to-school season approaches, local efforts underscore the critical need for support networks to help foster children thrive in their educational pursuits.
Key Details of the School Supply Drive
- Target: Over 300 children in foster care in Buncombe County.
- Donation Period: July 22 – July 31, 2023.
- Ages: Supplies needed for children aged 0-18.
- Collection Locations: Available throughout Buncombe County during business hours.
- Use of Extra Supplies: Distributed to families receiving prevention services.
Background on Current Challenges
The foster care system in North Carolina currently faces numerous challenges, including strains on resources due to disaster-related issues. Many foster families are seeking assistance while recovering from adverse circumstances caused by a recent storm. Community organizations and local authorities are mobilizing to address these needs, offering both material and emotional support.
Community Involvement
Local residents are urged to participate in the supply drive to assist those in foster care. Many of the affected families are navigating numerous challenges that affect their ability to provide educational resources for children. Generous contributions to the school supplies initiative are vital to easing their transition back to school and ensuring they have the necessary tools for their success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the school supplies drive targeting?
The drive is targeting over 300 children in foster care in Buncombe County, ensuring they receive essential supplies for the upcoming school year.
What are the dates for the donation campaign?
The donation campaign runs from July 22 to July 31, 2023.
How can I participate in the supply drive?
You can participate by donating school supplies at designated collection boxes located throughout Buncombe County during regular business hours.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Group | Children in foster care |
| Total Participants | 325 children |
| Donation Period | July 22 – July 31, 2023 |
| Age Range | 0 – 18 years |
| Collection Method | Boxes at various locations |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Buncombe County Launches School Supplies Drive for Foster Children
- 828 News Now: Community Urged to Help Foster Kids
- ABC11: Impact of Hurricanes on Foster Kids
- Google Search: Buncombe County Foster Children School Supplies
- Wikipedia: Foster Care in the United States
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.
