Our Mission
For the past 12 years,
Since 2012, High Country Kids has united the communities of North Carolina’s High Country to support children in need across four counties. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a regional movement powered by donation drives, local events, and the generous spirit of our neighbors, ensuring that every child has access to the essentials they deserve.
Joining Forces
In the wake of Hurricane Helene,
Communities across the High Country, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee have come together in an incredible volunteer effort. Crews from our own towns and from across the country have stepped up to help the areas hardest hit by the storm, offering support, helping to rebuild, and assisting families in need of safe housing.
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Now we turn our focus to supporting those still facing hardship, whether through displacement, financial strain, or both.
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The High Country Children’s Foundation is proud to join forces with the following organizations to provide care and resources to eleven counties affected by the hurricane:
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• Global United Methodist Church
• United Carolina Cavalry
• Mountain Mule Packers
• The High Country Association of Realtors
• Many other dedicated local groups and volunteers
High Country Kids 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 in need.
About the High Country Children's Foundation
The High Country Children’s Foundation began in 2011 as a grassroots effort to support homeless children across four counties in North Carolina’s High Country. This region faces some of the highest rates of family homelessness in the nation. Over the years, the group has provided year-round support, financial assistance, and hosted High Country music, raising money to uplift neighbors in need. What started as an informal initiative became a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2025. Today, the Foundation continues to meet the essential needs of children and families with compassion, community spirit, and action.
Lynne Lear, Founder High Country Children's Foundation
Since 1989, Lynne Lear has led charitable efforts by leveraging both her professional network and deep community connections. Lynne has been a real estate broker for 39 years and is the owner/broker of Lear Group Real Estate.
For over a decade, her annual initiative continues to provide support to every homeless child in the shelter systems across four counties in Western North Carolina.
As the founder of the High Country Children’s Foundation, Lynne has recently expanded her mission. With the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, she helped support families in eleven counties impacted by the hurricane. Her heater program delivered complete portable heating systems to more than 500 homes. She continues to coordinate efforts to provide propane, vehicles, campers, tiny homes, other housing options, building materials, furniture, appliances, and skilled labor to families who lost everything.
Lynne is an active member of several recovery coalitions and frequently opens her own home and properties to house volunteers. She remains fully committed to helping those still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.