Social Responsibility

Asheville GreenWorks: Hands-On Environmental Stewardship

Want your team to get outside, get a little dirty, and make a difference? Asheville GreenWorks is the region’s most active volunteer environmental organization, offering opportunities year-round. Groups can participate in activities like tree planting, creek cleanups, or even maintaining their famous “Trash Trout,” a device that captures litter from waterways. It’s a perfect way for teams of up to 25 people to connect with nature while making a tangible contribution to Asheville’s natural beauty​.

MANNA FoodBank: Fighting Hunger Together

For indoor group activities that make a lasting difference, MANNA FoodBank hosts volunteers at their Asheville warehouse. Teams of up to 30 can assist with sorting donations, repackaging food, or culling produce, all while supporting the nearly 100,000 people in Western North Carolina experiencing food insecurity. MANNA offers flexible volunteer opportunities for groups of all ages, making it an ideal option for both small and large teams​.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County: Impactful Service Projects

United Way is known for creating meaningful volunteer experiences that impact the local community. They offer a variety of indoor and outdoor service projects, from beautification efforts to assembling care kits, making them suitable for groups of any size. Their “We Care Experiences” even feature guest speakers from local organizations, helping volunteers better understand the issues their service supports.

Seed Programs International: Pack Seeds, Plant Hope

Looking for a unique, large-scale team-building activity? Seed Programs International provides seed-packing events where teams can work together to package seeds that are sent to communities in need around the world. This can be done on-site or even virtually, making it possible for groups of up to 200 to participate. Not only is this a fun, hands-on activity, but it also allows your team to contribute to a global cause​.

Eblen Charities: Giving Back in Times of Need

Eblen Charities provides assistance to Asheville families during times of crisis. They offer various volunteer opportunities, including coordinating on-site donation drives for food, clothing, and other essential items at your event venue. This is a simple yet impactful way for your team to give back while attending a meeting or conference​.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM): Empowering Those in Need

ABCCM provides emergency assistance and long-term solutions to residents in crisis, from homeless services to medical care. Your group can volunteer for a variety of service projects, including beautification efforts and meal preparation, either indoors or outdoors. ABCCM can accommodate groups from 15 to 50 people, making it an ideal option for mid-sized teams looking to make a local impact​.

RiverLink: Preserving Asheville’s Waterways

Focused on protecting the French Broad River and its watershed, RiverLink offers year-round opportunities for groups to participate in activities like litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, and habitat restoration. Ideal for groups of up to 25 people, these projects help maintain Asheville’s environmental vitality while giving your team a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Asheville Plays: Games with a Purpose

For a more interactive and playful experience, Asheville Plays combines charity work with fun activities like building bikes or mini-golf courses, all of which go to people in need. Whether your group prefers indoor or outdoor activities, Asheville Plays can accommodate teams of any size, making it a light-hearted yet impactful addition to your meeting​.

Incorporating group service projects into your meeting agenda not only fosters team bonding but also leaves a positive mark on Asheville’s community. Whether your group is cleaning a creek, sorting donations, or planting trees, there’s no shortage of ways to give back while enjoying all that Asheville has to offer.