07/18/2026
Teachers invest in their students every single day, often using their own money to make sure every child has what they need to succeed. This year, we’re giving back to the people who give so much.
I’m excited to announce our Lending A Hand Back to School Teacher Supply Drive, where our community is coming together to surprise the teachers at a local elementary school with classroom supplies and a few well deserved comforts before the school year begins.
The best part? The teachers have no idea. 😁
This event wouldn’t be possible without our incredible community partners:
John Wilke🇺🇸 (Founder of Lending a Hand)
I proudly served in the U.S. Army before transitioning into the mortgage industry as a Loan Officer with the Dream Team at ALCOVA Mortgage. Helping families achieve homeownership is one way I serve my community, but I wanted to do more. That’s why I founded Lending A Hand, an initiative dedicated to bringing local businesses and neighbors together to make a meaningful impact through community service. I believe the strongest communities are built when we invest in one another, and my mission is simple: to lead with service, integrity, and action while leaving every community better than I found it.
Ashlee Roby🏦 (Co Organizer of back to school drive project)
Ashlee Roby is a Loan Officer with the Dream Team at ALCOVA Mortgage who is passionate about building lasting relationships and helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. She believes in the power of community, collaboration, and giving back, and is committed to making a positive impact both professionally and personally. As Co Organizer of the Lending A Hand Back to School Drive, Ashlee is proud to help bring local businesses and neighbors together in support of the educators who invest so much in our community.
🏡 Carolina Quality Inspections LLC
Joshua Snodgrass is the owner and lead inspector of Carolina Quality Inspections LLC, a veteran owned home inspection company serving central North Carolina. After retiring from the U.S. Army with 20 years of service, he built his business on integrity, attention to detail, and honest communication. Joshua is committed to providing thorough, unbiased inspections that help clients make informed decisions with confidence.
💪 Gracefully Fit
Gracefully Fit is a women focused private fitness facility in Fayetteville, NC, created to provide a welcoming and empowering space where women of all fitness levels can feel comfortable getting stronger, healthier, and more confident.
They offer personal training, small group training, a variety of group fitness classes, wellness and recovery services, and community events designed to bring women together both inside and outside the gym.
Gracefully Fit proudly supports local teachers with a teacher discount, and every teacher’s first class is FREE. At Gracefully Fit, it’s more than a workout. It’s strength, confidence, connection, and community.
🏠 Hive Realty Group
Led by retired Army Special Operations veteran Sean McDonough, Hive Realty Group continues a legacy of service by helping families throughout the Fayetteville and Raeford communities with integrity, dedication, and unmatched local knowledge.
🏡 Essence Realty Group
Natalie O’Reilly combines expert market knowledge, innovative marketing, and a servant’s heart to guide buyers and sellers through one of life’s biggest decisions while ensuring every client feels supported from start to finish.
📚 How You Can Help
From now until Sunday, August 23 at 5:00 PM, we’re collecting donations at each of the drop off locations listed on the flyer. Whether it’s classroom supplies, cleaning items, gift cards, or comfort items for teachers, every donation will make a difference.
If you’ve ever had a teacher who believed in you, encouraged you, or changed your life, this is your opportunity to give back.
Together, let’s remind our educators that this community sees them, appreciates them, and stands behind them.
If you’re unable to shop but would still like to contribute, send me a message and I’ll make sure every dollar goes directly toward purchasing supplies for our teachers.
Together, we’re helping local teachers start the year strong. 🍎📚❤️
