We need your help

We rely on the dedication and generosity of over 400 volunteers each year in order to successfully serve the hundreds of children and families who attend the Back 2 School Festival. Individuals and groups are welcome to volunteer with us.

Please note: Festival day volunteers must be 18+ and not currently enrolled in Watauga County Schools. Students are welcome to volunteer during set-up times on Thursday & Friday, as well as clean up on Saturday after the festival at 4pm.

Volunteer Sign-up Coming Soon
Volunteer Sign-up Coming Soon

Volunteer Opportunities

All volunteers and skillsets are welcome! This event offers many volunteer opportunities ranging from very simple tasks to more in-depth event organizing efforts like:

  • Serve on a Planning Committee: Serve on one of our committees in order to help with various aspects of organizing this large event. Committees include Sponsorship, Day-of, Communications, Supplies and Volunteer organizing. Opportunities available now through the end of August.

  • Festival Set Up: Help us count, unload and organize supplies, set up tables, and help with various tasks to help us prepare.Watauga County students are welcome to volunteer to help set up the festival on Friday, but are not permitted to volunteer on Saturday at the Festival.

  • Day-of Help: Welcome families, direct traffic, pack book bags with school supplies, help with shoe distribution, serve as an interpreter and so much more!

  • Break Down: Save your energy during the festival and relieve tired volunteers by helping us break down after the festival. Students, sports teams, church youth groups are needed to help take down the Festival.

To volunteer, simply click the “Sign Up to Volunteer” button above and fill out our signup form.  
You can also email volunteers.back2schoolfest@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you in advance for your help! Please join us in empowering our community's children for a successful school year!

  • "I look forward to helping with festival setup every year with my team, it means a lot because me and my family attend the festival each year and it helps us a lot."

    — Ryan, Age 16

  • "I wasn’t sure what to expect my first year, but the energy here is contagious. Everyone works together, everyone is smiling, and you can feel the impact in every backpack handed out. I’m already excited to come back."

    — Angie

  • "Giving back and seeing kids leave with brand‑new shoes and supplies makes all the work worth it. My wife and I look forward to volunteering at the festival every year."

    — David