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As we realize the ways our lives and communities have changed from the effects of Hurricane Helene, we grieve for those who have lost so much. And amidst the devastation, we find hope in the countless acts of kindness that show us the true strength of our communities and the power of human compassion.
We are eager to support our communities during these hard moments, and we will keep showing up in the ways we do best. It is essential that everyone has access to the resources they need to make it through this next chapter–regardless of one’s background, reading or writing skills, or language spoken at home. Together, we are in this for the long haul.
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Amanda WrublewskiExecutive Director
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We plan to reopen our office for tutoring next week, October 21st, with regular hours. However, this depends on whether our water and internet services are operational. Please monitor our website and social media channels before coming to the office to see if there are any changes to our reopening plans. We can't wait to see you and give you a big hug! Take care 💗🌄
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Children's Book Drive Alert! 🚨
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Several local schools and organizations have contacted us asking for books for their families, so we're partnering with The Whale in West Asheville to collect new or gently used children's books! You can drop the books off at The Whale (507 Haywood Rd #10, Asheville, NC 28806) from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m.
We'll keep this event going as long as there is a need in the community. Thanks to The Whale for all they do in the community! Please let us know if you'd like to mail books, and we'll send you our shipping address.
We compiled this Amazon wish list of some of our favorite kids' books (K-8). Additionally, below are some suggestions for books that help kids cope with the aftermath of a hurricane. We'd greatly appreciate them. Some are available in a bilingual Spanish/English format. Please consider ordering them from a local bookstore like Malaprop's Bookstore and Café!
📚 "Hurricane" by John Rocco
📚 '"Hurricane Child" by Kacen Callender
📚 "Ninth Ward" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
📚 "Alicia and the Hurricane" by Leslea Newman
📚 "Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina" by Rodman Philbrick
📚 "Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere" by Julie T. Lamana
📚 "Lupita's Hurricane Palomitas", by Alexandra Alessandri
📚 "The Water Princess" by Susan Verde
📚 "The Coquíes Still Sing" by Karina Gonzalez
📚 "A Storm Called Katrina" by Myron Uhlberg
📚 "The Night the Lights Went Out" by Angela Shelf Medearis
Donations are coming in at The Whale! The first batch (hundreds of books!) will go to BeLoved Asheville, and we're so grateful!
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While our staff members have been involved in the community since Helene hit Asheville in any way they could, from carrying water buckets for older neighbors to helping as interpreters, we loved volunteering together!
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Inspired by the Oakley Library "Look for the Helpers" scavenger hunt, which encourages families to focus on the positive aspects of the current circumstances while dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we want to share some moments that have inspired us, given us strength, made us smile, or made us cry healing tears.
We loved this story by BeLoved Asheville: "There’s something magical about a simple bucket filled with toys. Every time we surprise the children with our "Buckets for Kids" – packed with coloring books, toys, and more – our hearts swell with gratitude. It’s more than just gifts; it’s a moment of pure joy that lights up their faces. One little girl, clutching her new treasures, beamed and said, “This feels like Christmas!” Another, with eyes full of wonder, whispered, “This feels like my birthday!”
Some of the books from our book drive will be part of those "Buckets for Kids!"
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Lexi, the owner of Hazel Twenty, a boutique Downtown, organized a clothing drive with other shops. She told us a woman from Charlotte went in and donated 200 dollars "to help the helpers." She also said an employee from a nearby shop asked when they would open to "put some money back into the local economy." It's crucial to support our beloved local businesses!
We loved this photo of our friend and hero, Norma Brown, from UneteWNC! She continues to work with so much love and strength, inspiring the younger generations to follow her steps! ¡Amamos tu energía, Norma!
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We're deeply thankful for everyone who stepped up and contributed in their own way to ease the results of this devastating tragedy. Your actions have shown just how loving and resilient our community is.
We want to hear from YOU! Reply to this email and tell us what you've found when looking for helpers :)
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Resources for Resilience offers free listening circles
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Resources for Resilience is a fantastic organization that is now supporting WNC by offering free listening circles for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. You can learn more here.
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| Note from LuAnn Arena, our dear Development Director
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Over the last nine years, I have loved getting to know all of you who make this work meaningful! Two years ago, I moved back to New York to be closer to my family, and while I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working with you from afar, the time has come for me to make a professional shift. I am excited to announce that I will relaunch my graphic design business!
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and generosity of the Literacy Together community. Your contributions have been truly instrumental in our successes and mission.
I am excited about the trajectory Literacy Together is on. There is something very special about the Literacy Together family - but you already knew that!
I am excited about the trajectory Literacy Together is on, and I will be working closely with Amanda to ensure a smooth transition from now until mid-December.
Thank you for your partnership and support,
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| 💗 The Literacy Together team will miss you, LuAnn! 💗
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So far, 127 people have attended our online volunteer orientation meetings in 2024! We've modified the format to be more inclusive. Everyone is welcome to join us, from prospective volunteer tutors to community members to local business owners and nonprofits wanting to learn more about Literacy Together's work.
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| Upcoming Online Orientation Meetings
Tuesday, November 12th, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, November 14th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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| Your generosity provides literacy services to our neighbors of every age.
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