Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley commemorates two decades of dedication

Humble nonprofit organization Generates Enduring Support for Six Owen District Schools

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 30, 2026

President Melissa Smith, left, of Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley, and treasurer Suzanne Dwight, right, present a check to representatives of schools in the Owen District, Sept. 28, as the nonprofit organization celebrated its 20th anniversary. Photo by Fred McCormick

The atmosphere inside the fellowship hall at Grove Stone Baptist Church, surrounded by sweeping vistas of the Black Mountains to the north and Swannanoa Mountains to the south, was welcoming and familiar, Sept. 28, as busy volunteers set out homemade dishes of meatloaf, ham, casseroles, potatoes au gratin. deviled eggs, cornbread and vegetables. Friendly chatter blended into an indistinct murmur around the tables, arranged to form a large rectangle in the center of the room.

The humble appearance of the Monday evening gathering, however, belied its significance, as Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley celebrated its 20th anniversary, presenting all six schools in the Owen District with nearly $12,000, bringing the total contributions of the nonprofit organization to over $400,000.

A white and yellow frosted cake sat beneath an oversized check for $11,903 for “Swannanoa Valley Schools,” which include Black Mountain Primary and Elementary, W.D. Williams Elementary, Owen Middle, Owen High and Community High. The donations, collected through fundraising efforts of participating local churches, individuals and grant programs, are distributed to guidance counselors representing each school twice every year.

Those funds, according Hand in Hand President Melissa Smith, assist a wide variety of needs throughout the local district, within Buncombe County Schools. The board, which meets every other month, receives annual reports of needs from school representatives.

“Each school receives $2,500, two times a year. If they spend that down to $5, they get a new check to bring it back up to $2,500,” Smith said. “That’s roughly $5,000 per year, except for Community High School, which receives around $8,000 to support their students.”

Each school tracks the expenses covered under the nonprofit’s funding policy and presents a report to the organization, which includes more than 30 volunteers. The funds can be used to pay for eye exams, glasses, yearbooks, lice medication, emergency clothing, athletic physicals and field trips for students in need of financial assistance.

“Sometimes we pay for prom tickets, or just extra things parents might not have the money to pay for,” Smith said. “Last year, we started buying computers for graduates who are going on to college. If there are needs, we try to find ways to fill in the gaps.”

Harnessing the generosity and compassion of area churches to support neighbors within the community was not a new concept to Lois Nix, who served as the first director of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry from 1985 to 2002. The founder of Hand in Hand, who passed away in February of 2025, immediately recognized the challenges faced by students from families dealing with financial struggles.

“She was the driving force behind Hand in Hand for most of its existence,” Smith said. “When Lois was volunteering in the schools, she would learn about kids going to school without winter coats, or families alternating days of attending school because the kids had to share shoes. She knew the churches in this community could help remove some of these obstacles to education.”

The organization’s annual school supply drive, which collects backpacks and other essential items from area churches, is named in honor of Nix, who led the nonprofit for 17 years. The founder would be proud of he work of the current members, according to her daughter, Kristy Beaver, who attended the 20th anniversary celebration.

“I know my mom would be delighted to see this organization continuing its work beyond 20 years,” she said. “She would be so happy to see new faces, ideas and even new ways to raise money. She felt strongly about the mission of Hand in Hand, so it would make her feel great to know it’s still being carried out by people who love the kids of this valley.”

Smith is encouraged by the unwavering dedication of the volunteers and churches that support the nonprofit, as it adapts to keep up with the growing demands of modern classrooms.

Volunteers with Hand in Hand of the Swannanoa Valley meet, Sept. 28, at Grove Stone Baptist Church, where the nonprofit organization celebrated its 20th anniversary. Photo by Fred McCormick

“It has been amazing to see the growth, both financially and in terms of the number of people involved,” the president said. “It is a great feeling to have been able to push forward with the work that means so much to all of us, while continuing to honor the legacy of Lois.”

As Hand in Hand looks ahead to the future, members are exploring additional resources for local schools, according to Smith.

“We are currently looking into getting a dental bus to provide services to Community High School,” she said. “There are a couple of organizations in the area, so we’re hoping we can work out a partnership that allows them to provide those dental services, right there on campus, for free.”

Volunteers plan to organize the traditional Thanksgiving fundraiser, which includes smoked turkeys, stuffing, cakes and pies, in November.

“Last year we sold 64 turkeys,” Smith said. “That helps, because every dollar we raise goes straight into helping local children.”

A caring community and supportive principals and guidance counselors are a vital piece of the longevity of the service organization, she added.

“We have so many committed volunteers, and it takes a lot of people and a lot of work to run those fundraisers. A lot of people who aren’t even members of Hand in Hand come in to help us, and once they learn about it, they’re always impressed with the cause,” Smith said. “Our schools are also very supportive of us. Overall, we are just very blessed to be a part of the Swannanoa Valley.”