Our Mission
For the past 12 years,
The High Country Toy & Gift Card Drive has brought Christmas to all of the homeless children in four counties of the High Country of North Carolina. Founded in 2012, the drive has seen the communities of the High Country come together with live music events, donation centers and celebrations as the needs of all the children have been met.
Joining Forces
In the wake of Hurricane Helene,
Our communities in the High Country, Western NC and Eastern TN have banded together to form the largest volunteer effort ever in the history of the United States. Crews from our own towns and from all over the country have descended upon the worst hit areas to offer relief and assistance with rebuilding and with rehoming those most affected by the storm.
Now it is time for us to bring Christmas to all of those affected whether residentially, financially or both!
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The High Country Children's Foundation is joining forces with the following organizations to bring Christmas to ELEVEN counties who found themselves in the path of the hurricane:
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Operation Appalachian Christmas (Petty Foundation)
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United Carolina Cavalry
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Mountain Mule Packers
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The High Country Association of Realtors​
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and many smaller groups
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High Country Toy & Gift Card Drive + Adopt A Family 2025
How You Can Help
Making a Difference
Our projects focus on providing essential support and aid to families in Western NC and TN. From organizing community events to facilitating donations and volunteer work, we aim to create a positive impact and bring relief to those affected by hurricane Helene.
About the High Country Children's Foundation
The High Country Children's Foundation was informally founded in 2011 to assist with the needs of homeless children in the four counties of the High Country of North Carolina that make up some of the highest percentage of homeless families in the country. The group has performed small miracles in providing Christmas to all of the homeless children in these counties each year, financial and other assistance to those in need throughout the year and occasional community events like day long music events to support individual community members facing struggles. Formalized in 2024 as a 501(c)3 entity, the High Country Children's Foundation continues to bring support to children and families in need throughout the area.
Lynne Lear, High Country Children's Foundation
Since 1989, Lynne Lear has spearheaded charitable works through her professional and community contacts. For the past 12 years, her annual drive has provided Christmas for all homeless children in the shelter system of four counties in Western North Carolina. She founded the High Country Children’s Foundation, and this year, she expanded her goals. With the help of many volunteers and donors, they brought Christmas to families in 11 counties affected by the hurricane. Her heater initiative provided complete portable heat systems to over 300 homes, and she continues to work with other volunteers to provide propane, cars, campers, tiny homes, free other housing, building materials, furniture, appliances, and labor to those who lost everything. She belongs to several coalitions that work on recovery, and she also houses volunteers at home and on her properties. She works daily to help meet the needs of those still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.