The group that keeps on giving
Hand in Hand passes milestone with $10,500 donation to Swannanoa Valley schools
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 27, 2022
Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley Treasurer Eric Nichols presents a check for $10,500 to OMS counselor Buddy Weathington, left of center, W.D. Williams counselor Kelli Pritchard, right of center and OHS counselor Leanne Perry. Photo by Fred McCormick
Sixteen years ago, a group of volunteers recognized the vast needs of students in the Owen District, and Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley was formed. The small group immediately began meeting with area churches, hosting dinners and collecting school supplies for the six local schools.
Gathered around a table in the fellowship room in the Tabernacle Methodist Church, on Sept. 26, as members prepared to give $10,500 to Black Mountain Primary, Black Mountain Elementary, W.D. Williams, Owen Middle, Owen and Community High Schools, the nonprofit reached a significant milestone.
“With this donation today, we have now raised $250,000 for Owen District schools since starting Hand in Hand,” said Lois Nix, current chair and one of the original six founders of the organization, prompting enthusiastic applause from the group. “We’ve been blessed to help the students of the Swannanoa Valley.”
Three counselors representing W.D. Williams Elementary, Owen Middle and Owen High Schools were present to receive a ceremonial check of $10,500, which will be divided between all six schools in the district.
Members of Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley meeting with counselors in the Owen District, Sept. 26, as the nonprofit organization donated $10,500 to local schools, surpassing the $250,000 mark since its founding in 2006. Photo by Fred McCormick
The money is used in a variety of ways, including basic needs like socks and hygiene products or subsidizing field trip fees for families unable to pay, according to the reports provided by counselors. The funds can also purchase computer accessories, such as ear buds or noise-canceling headphones for students who require them.
Hand in Hand holds fundraising campaigns throughout the year, offering chicken and dumplings, spaghetti, barbecue pork and other lunch options for take-out or delivery out of the kitchen and cafeteria in Grove Stone Baptist Church. Its Sept. 16 event raised around $3,500 for the Owen District, and its annual Smoked Turkey Fundraiser will be held at Tabernacle, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 22.
For more information about Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley, or to place an order for a turkey, call Lois Nix at 828-777-9543.