Ways to Give Back in Watauga, Avery, and Ashe Counties
June 3, 2026
June 3, 2026
Giving back is an important part of life in the North Carolina High Country, and is a tenet of the Keller Williams Culture, where we ‘give where we live.’ Many of our clients are second homeowners and are not sure where to get involved–here is your chance!
Across Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties, nonprofit organizations provide essential services ranging from food assistance and healthcare to education, housing, environmental conservation, and family support. Volunteering is so rewarding!
To help residents and visitors find ways to get involved, we’ve gathered a list of nonprofit organizations throughout the NC High Country where you can give back through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, or community support.
(Many organizations support multiple counties)
An independent nonprofit performing arts center in the High Country that hosts live performances, film screenings, and community programs. The historic venue serves as a cultural hub and gathering place while also supporting tourism and the local economy.
A community initiative that helps ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping for local families by providing students with essential school supplies. The program supports both families and educators while helping students begin the school year prepared and confident.
Partners with landowners and local communities to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.
Helps build an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate, inspire, and increase the demand for local food.
Supports early childhood development and school readiness. It works with families and community partners to strengthen early learning systems and administers Smart Start and NC Pre-K funding to improve access to quality programs for children from birth to age five.
A nonprofit, pay-what-you-can community café run largely by volunteers. It serves freshly prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, allowing guests to contribute what they are able in exchange for food. Founded in 2012, it was the first pay-what-you-can café in North Carolina.
A combined community health service formed through the integration of the Community Care Clinic with the Hunger and Health Coalition. It provides free primary care medical services alongside access to food, nutrition support, and medication assistance, all in one location at no cost to eligible community members.
Supports kinship caregivers who step in to raise children during times of crisis. It provides practical assistance and ongoing support to help families build stability, healing, and long-term permanency for children in their care.
Provides quality, patient-centered, culturally appropriate, affordable and compassionate care that serves the whole person.
Serves the local community through philanthropy, volunteering, and grantmaking to improve health, education, and financial stability. The organization works to ensure healthy communities, youth opportunities, financial security, and community resiliency.
A regional nonprofit homeless services agency that works in seven rural North Carolina counties providing housing, shelter, hunger relief, homeless prevention, street outreach, counseling and crisis assistance.
Supports community health by providing access to food, prescription assistance, and healthcare services. Transforms individual and community health by delivering a continuum of food, medication, and comprehensive healthcare that addresses the whole-person’s well-being.
Provides transformative experiences and support to all Avery and Watauga teenagers, regardless of means or background. Through volunteer service, challenging outdoor adventure, cultural outings, after school academic support and mentorship, they strive to unlock the leadership potential present in every teen.
Dedicated to responding to and working towards ending sexual and domestic violence through education, outreach, community engagement, and comprehensive support services.
A service organization whose members work on community projects both locally and internationally. It focuses on volunteer service, with initiatives that support humanitarian efforts and community development while encouraging members to contribute time and skills for public benefit.
Their mission is to explore, preserve, and share the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Breaking the cycle of poverty by partnering with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged the support and tools that they need to become self-sufficient.
Works to house, care for, and find homes for stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals. Promotes animal welfare by providing services to improve the lives of companion animals and the people who love them.
A collective giving organization formed and sustained by a group of women philanthropists who want to make a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in the High Country.
Works to eliminate barriers to a better, healthier, and more financially stable life by providing homebuyers with a decent and affordable place to call home. Homebuyers partner with Habitat, helping build their own homes alongside volunteers. They offer zero-interest mortgages to the homeowners.
For more than 40 years, WYN has strengthened our region by empowering at-risk youth in the NC High Country through mentoring, afterschool programs, summer camps, and wellness initiatives that help kids thrive in our local communities.
Provides clean water through water access, filtration, sanitation, and hygiene education, as well as disaster relief. Since 2004, they have been bringing clean water to communities across the globe.
Offers free and confidential pregnancy support services and recovery support services for those suffering from a past abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss in a Christ-centered environment.
An affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation that manages charitable funds and distributes grants to support local needs. They work with donors to build permanent endowments and support community development initiatives in Avery County.
A nonprofit thrift store that sells gently used clothing, furniture, housewares, and accessories to support community programs. Its proceeds help fund local assistance efforts for families in need, including support for low-income residents and seasonal clothing programs for children.
Their mission is to respond humanely to the needs of animals in Avery County. They are a privately run shelter and adoption facility and are not a county-run animal control.
A locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International that works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses are then sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.
Nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Donations are tax-deductible and all profits support the home-building efforts of Avery County Habitat for Humanity.
A nonprofit food pantry focused on addressing food insecurity in Avery County through a group of local volunteers. They are dedicated to eliminating hunger by providing supplemental food assistance to those in need and also partner with local farmers and grocery stores to provide fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, and prepared meals.
Strengthens the people and places that make our region special. Through grants, scholarships, and partnerships, they invest in lasting solutions that help neighbors thrive, today and for generations to come.
Empowers & uplifts those in need by supporting community agencies that provide essential services. Through their charitable donations, they strive to help those agencies in Avery County so that individuals, families, and animals have access to the resources and support they require to thrive.
Serves the local community through philanthropy, volunteering, and grantmaking to improve health, education, and financial stability. The organization works to ensure healthy communities, youth opportunities, financial security, and community resiliency.
A regional nonprofit homeless services agency that works in seven rural North Carolina counties providing housing, shelter, hunger relief, homeless prevention, street outreach, counseling and crisis assistance.
Provides transformative experiences and support to all Avery and Watauga teenagers, regardless of means or background. Through volunteer service, challenging outdoor adventure, cultural outings, after school academic support and mentorship, they strive to unlock the leadership potential present in every teen.
Serving over 40 years those in need in Avery County. They help families with food, clothing, furniture, household items, crisis situations and emergency financial assistance. Your donations to their thrift store enables them to help those in need. Donations are tax-deductible and they offer pick-up service for furniture and household items.
Breaking the cycle of poverty by partnering with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged the support and tools that they need to become self-sufficient.
Serves adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities living in Avery County. They are an Adult Day Vocational Program and operate under the umbrella of Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens.
Works in partnership with the people of Ashe County to eliminate substandard housing by building safe, affordable, decent housing with families in need.
Works to enhance the welfare of companion animals in the community through programs and strategies that promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the population of unwanted animals in Ashe County.
Leading the fight to end hunger in our community by acquiring and distributing food to those who seek aid. The organization has the longest, most extensive experience with food assistance in the area.
A nonprofit pantry providing free food, clothing, and essentials to low-income residents of Ashe County, alongside spiritual guidance and emotional support.
Lends support to law enforcement officers, staff, and their families of Ashe County. It is through this collaboration of members, volunteers, sponsors & donors that they will carry out their purpose.
Provides comprehensive care for older adults. It offers in-home services, community programs, and operates a certified "Senior Center of Excellence" to support the independence and well-being of seniors in Ashe County.
Ashe County’s only homeless shelter, providing temporary housing, essential resources, and supportive services for individuals in need. They operate entirely through donations and support from local churches, businesses, and community members.
A regional nonprofit homeless services agency that works in seven rural North Carolina counties providing housing, shelter, hunger relief, homeless prevention, street outreach, counseling and crisis assistance.
A local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful focused on environmental conservation and community beautification.
Unites compassionate musicians and others with generous hearts to provide food, beverages, and other life essentials to people in need.
Focused on protecting the waters, forests, and wildlife within the New River Watershed. It works to preserve water quality, support healthy ecosystems, and encourage community involvement in conservation efforts across the regions connected to the New River.
Builds partnerships, provides educational programs, and connects people to resources. Community services include: home visitation; parenting support; resources, mentoring, and consulting for child care providers; advocacy, emergency housing & crisis intervention for survivors of intimate partner violence and/or sexual assault; education and awareness for schools and community groups.
Provides services and support to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across North Carolina. They offer residential services – community-based options, group homes for disabled adults and children, employment support, community day services, and more.
Serves the people of Ashe County to help build a stronger community by empowering people of all ages to be actively involved in the community through educational, recreational, and social activities and support services.
Provides shoes for kids in Ashe County, NC. Donations are their only funding source and 100% of donations go to the purchase of shoes for kids.
Whether through donations, volunteering, sponsorships, or spreading awareness, supporting these organizations is one way to strengthen the communities that make the NC High Country such a special place to live and visit.
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