Get Involved
Be a Part of our
Village
Volunteer With Us: Support Young Children and Families
At The Children’s Council of Watauga County we believe that strong families build strong communities — and that support in the earliest years of life lays the foundation for lifelong success. Every day, we work to ensure children from birth to age five and their families have the resources, care, and opportunities they need to thrive.
You can be a part of that mission.
While our team is small, we know that big change happens when more people get involved. That’s why we’re growing our volunteer community — and we’d love for you to join us.
Why Volunteer With Us?
Volunteering with the Children’s Council is a meaningful way to:
- Support families during one of the most important stages of life
- Give back to your community in tangible, hands-on ways
- Meet compassionate people who share your desire to help others
- Build skills and contribute your time in a way that works for you
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you have a few hours or a few days each month, there’s a place for you here. Here are just some of the ways you can help:
- Package Diapers
Help us organize and distribute critical supplies to families - Read to Preschoolers
Join us in sparking a love of books and learning in young children. - Playground & Facility Cleanup
Help keep our spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for children and families. - Office Support & Cleaning
Assist with light cleaning or clerical work that helps us run smoothly. - Landscaping & Outdoor Projects
Pitch in on beautifying the spaces where our children learn and play. - Fundraising & Community Outreach
Support events, host diaper drives, or awareness campaigns that fuel our programs. - Childcare Assistance
Help care for little ones during family support sessions or special events. - Service Learning Projects
Great for students or groups looking to complete community service hours.
*Please note, due to the nature of our work some volunteer opportunities require a background check.
Whether you’re looking for a one-time project or an ongoing role, we’ll work with you to find the right fit.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Complete our quick Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll connect with you about upcoming opportunities.
Together, we can ensure every child gets a strong start — and every family feels supported.
Thank you for being part of the village.
Come work
with us!
At The Children’s Council of Watauga County, we believe meaningful work and a healthy work-life balance can go hand in hand. Our team is driven by a shared mission to make a positive impact, and we foster a supportive, family-friendly work environment where collaboration, respect, and balance are at the heart of what we do. We understand the importance of life outside of work and offer flexibility and understanding to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
Family Forward NC Certified Employer
The Children’s Council of Watauga County has been named a Family Forward NC Certified Employer by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s (NCEC) Family Forward NC initiative. A Family Forward NC Employer Certification designates employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.
Join our team
We’re always on the lookout for caring, can-do people who want to make a difference—if that’s you, check out our current job openings below.
Intern with Us!
Are you the right fit for an internship at The Children’s Council?
Our interns are one of our greatest resources and an essential part of our mission to support children ages 0–5 and their families. We welcome interns in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, and their contributions make a real difference in the lives of the families we serve.
Why Intern With Us?
- Meaningful Impact: As an intern, you’ll be directly involved in the day-to-day work of serving young children and their families.
- Positive Work Culture: Our team fosters a culture of kindness, teamwork, and respect, where every intern’s unique strengths are celebrated.
- Future Opportunities: Many of our interns go on to secure positions with us or other community partners after graduation.
- Gratitude in Action: Our staff is truly grateful for the energy and perspective interns bring—we couldn’t do our work without them!
What We Look For
We seek interns who are:
- Helpers at heart—ready to jump in wherever needed
- Kind and respectful—to families, staff, and community partners
- Team players—committed to supporting our mission and one another
Apply to join us.
If you’re looking for hands-on nonprofit experience in a welcoming environment, we’d love to hear from you. Our internship program is unpaid, but the learning, growth, and relationships you’ll gain are invaluable.
If you are interested in applying, please download the Internship Application (link below) fill out and return to Christine Thacker, christine@thechildrenscouncil.org. Please also include a cover letter that answers the questions requested on page 1 of the application.
Meet our Interns:
Each semester, we spotlight the amazing interns who bring their talents and dedication to our work. This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome a new group of interns to The Children’s Council! Each brings their own unique talents and perspectives, and together they are already making a difference in the lives of children and families we serve. We’re grateful for their energy, kindness, and dedication.
Denise DeSantis
Fall 2025 Intern
Major: Psychology
What was your favorite toy as a child? Nintendo 64
What is your dream job? Mental health therapist
Emily Greco Wimmers
Fall 2025 Intern
Major: Child Development; Concentration in Family & Child Studies
What was your favorite toy as a child? A little baby doll I called patty that I would carry around with me everywhere
What is your dream job?Designing and constructing playgrounds at preschools and elementary schools that are developmentally enriching
Ella Grace Mozingo
Fall 2025 Intern
Major: Psychology
What was your favorite toy as a child? I loved any stuffed animal I could get my hands on.
What is your dream job?A child and adolescent trauma therapist
Ava Zellman
Fall 2025 Intern
Major: Social Work
What was your favorite toy as a child? Baby dolls
What is your dream job? Mental Health counselor
Sophia Samples
Fall 2025 Intern
Major: Psychology concentration in Social Science
What was your favorite toy as a child? Baby dolls!
What is your dream job?School psychologist/working in child development