• Info on Donations

Each year, many volunteers partner with Social Services to help improve the quality of life in Catawba County. Men, women and children just like YOU are the links connecting people, organizations and resources to build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives. It wouldn’t — and couldn’t — be done without you.

Today’s volunteers are active, dynamic, and creative individuals of all ages who possess the skills, desire, patience, and time to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.

Become a Volunteer!

We offer many opportunities to serve our neighbors and be involved in our communities.

Backpack Program 828-695-5648
An estimated 22% of elementary students in Catawba County receive free school lunches. The Backpack Program sends a backpack filled with food home with them each Friday during the school year. Volunteers pack bags each week and deliver them to the school. This Program is 100% funded by donations received from individuals, churches, and businesses. See Backpack website.

Family and Children’s Services 828-695-5602
Internship opportunities for BSW and MSW students.

Family Builders of Catawba Valley 828-465-8901
Open your home and your heart to a child in need. Become a resource family and choose to foster, adopt, provide respite care or be a visiting resource for waiting children.

Meals on Wheels 828-695-5610
Deliver nutritious meals to the homebound disabled and elderly. Donations help to expand this service to more seniors. The following document is a volunteer application. Simply click it, download it, print it off, fill it out, and send it in! We look forward to working with you as we serve our citizens! Thank you for your support!   See Meals on Wheels website  Volunteer Application

Children's Bookshelf 828-695-5651
When parents come to the office to apply for Food Assistance, they often bring their young children with them. To make the wait a more pleasant experience, a children's bookshelf has been placed in the lobby. Children are encouraged to read while here and may take the book home with them. We welcome the donation of new or gently used books.

LINKS 828-695-4546
If you love working with teenagers, witnessing personal growth in others, and having fun working in a group atmosphere, consider volunteering as a mentor with LINKS of Catawba County, an independent living skills development program.

Nurturing Programs 828-695-4431 or 4427
Opportunities to support parent education efforts through group facilitation, childcare assistance or product donations.

Seniors Morning Out 828-695-5610
Help serve senior citizens during this program’s activities, socials and nutritious meals. See Website

TEEN UP and Upward Connection 828-695-4418
Parent volunteers and other adults help teenagers cope with the challenges of adolescence through fun and service-oriented activities.

Therapeutic Foster Care 828-695-2115
As an outreach to our community, we participate in recruitment events periodically throughout the year and need volunteers to help us manage these endeavors. We need folks that will man our booths, volunteer for speaking engagements, or provide other services that would enhance our efforts. Thank you in advance for your support!