Last Updated on November 12, 2025 3:17 pm
Several local holiday gift drives are underway in Watauga County, with organizers seeking community support to ensure area residents have a brighter Christmas season.
This list will be updated as more information becomes available about additional holiday assistance programs.
Watauga High School Holiday Adoptions
Watauga High School is seeking gift card donations for its annual Holiday Adoptions program, which typically serves 120-150 high school students in need.
The program aims to provide each participating student with $100 worth of gift cards, according to Jenn Wandler, the school social worker at Watauga High.
“We are asking for gift cards to places like TJ Maxx, Shoe Department, Belk, Shoppes on the Parkway, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, grocery stores, etc.,” Wandler said. “The gift cards can be in $25 or $50 increments, but we are happy to receive any donation.”
Donors who prefer to write checks can make them payable to WHS with “Social Work Discretionary Fund-Holiday” noted in the memo line. The funds will be used to purchase gift cards for students.
Gift cards or checks can be dropped off at Watauga High School, 300 Go Pioneers Drive in Boone, or mailed to the same address, attention Jenn Wandler. All donations should be received by Friday, December 5th.
For more information, contact Jenn Wandler at wandlerj@wataugaschools.org or 828-264-2407.
Carolina Mountain Title Christmas Toy Drive
Carolina Mountain Title is hosting its fifth annual Christmas Toy Drive, with all donations benefiting High Country Caregivers, a local non-profit organization that serves grandparents raising grandchildren.
The company is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages through December 8th. Donations can be dropped off at Carolina Mountain Title's office at 1635 Blowing Rock Road in Boone.
