Hand In Hand is serving up much more than barbecue, beans, slaw and dessert
Swannanoa Valley nonprofit does valuable work for area children in need
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 28, 2023
Hand In Hand of the Swannanoa Valley, a local nonprofit organization that raises money for students in the Owen District, will hold a fundraiser lunch at Grove Stone Baptist Church from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29. Photo by Fred McCormick
If you’ve driven along U.S. 70 in the past few days, you might have noticed a small white sign near the intersection of Grovestone Road. Just beneath the Grove Stone Baptist Church, it reads: “Hand In Hand Fundraiser Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29.”
An identical announcement at the entrance of the church touts barbecue, beans, slaw and dessert. What you might not know is that these humble signs belie the powerful work of the local nonprofit organization that placed them there.
I became familiar with Hand In Hand of the Swannanoa Valley around a decade ago, when I met Lois Nix, one of six founding members. Nix, a longtime member of the Tabernacle United Methodist Church who served as the director of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry for nearly three decades, noticed something while volunteering at a school in the Owen District.
As she retired from her position as president of the Hand in Hand board earlier this year, Nix recalled the interaction that led to the partnership between several local churches in 2006. When she was asked by her pastor to consider a way the church could help the community, she reflected on her experience in local schools.
“It wasn’t uncommon to see students coming to class without school supplies,” Nix told me back in March.
While I could write an entire column about Nix, who I’ve learned over the years has what seems to be an endless supply of compassion for others in her community, this story is about the organization that was formed to meet those very basic needs. It would be easy to say, “no child should have to attend school without the proper tools,” but that statement doesn’t do anything to address the issue. The actions of Hand In Hand, however, do.
I’ve been fortunate to attend a few meetings and lunches hosted by this nonprofit over the years, and every time I leave with a deep sense of admiration. Hand In Hand is not a large organization. It relies mostly on a team of dedicated volunteers who raise money through traditional methods, like school supply drives, church events and these lunches that support its mission to ensure kids in this valley have what they need to achieve academic success.
From my perspective, witnessing a small group of people come together to address a serious issue in their community reflects the essence of what makes the Swannanoa Valley such a special place. They didn’t need instruction or guidance, they simply took the initiative and stepped up.
The actions of Hand In Hand have yielded impressive results. One year ago, I had the honor of attending a meeting in the fellowship hall of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, where volunteers presented $10,500 to the six schools — Black Mountain Primary, Black Mountain Elementary, W.D. Williams Elementary, Owen Middle, Owen High and Community High — that comprise the Owen District. Around a dozen people were there, but the small crowd witnessed something I found truly remarkable.
Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley Treasurer Eric Nichols presents a check to school counselors in the Owen District last September, as the local nonprofit organization surpassed the $250,000 mark in contributions to local schools. Photo by Fred McCormick
The oversized check Hand In Hand presented to the schools was significant for a couple of reasons: first, and most importantly, it helped local kids receive basic necessities, and secondly, it marked the moment that the nonprofit eclipsed the $250,000 mark in donations to Swannanoa Valley public schools.
There was no pomp and circumstance, just a group of people who care greatly about helping kids in this community succeed. I was genuinely honored to witness the occasion.
So what does this money do? Quite a bit, it turns out.
Members of Hand In Hand meet with counselors from the six local schools every semester and determine the needs of each. The funds the organization disperses can be used to purchase everything from ear buds, protective sleeves and power cords for laptop computers to field trips for students from families unable to cover the costs. Other annual contributions include school supply drives, in which Hand In Hand collects backpacks, paper, pencils, crayons and spiral notebooks to be given to children who need them.
Maybe you haven’t heard of Hand In Hand before now, and perhaps you want to learn more. Tomorrow is your chance. Cancel your lunch plans and order a plate or two from these folks.
Each meal is $10, and customers can eat in Grove Stone Baptist Church or take food, to go. Hand In Hand volunteers will deliver meals if you call 828-775-5602 or 828-686-5501, and they will likely do so with a big smile because they’re passionate about their mission.
If you’re unable to purchase lunch, you can simply mail a check to Hand In Hand of the Swannanoa Valley, P.O. Box 764, Black Mountain, N.C. 28711, and know your contribution will help someone you might see everyday.
Either way, I’m confident you will be glad you did, because Hand In Hand serves this community so much more than barbecue, beans, slaw and dessert.