About Blizzard Bundles
About Blizzard Bundles
In 2019, founder, Wes Calbreath worked as a school counselor at Watauga High in Boone NC. Wes knew several students whose households struggled to stay warm. Coats were available through multiple sources, but not other winter items like hats, gloves, scarves, and socks. Stores often stop selling them long before winter is over, and in households where funds are tight, kids would just do without.
Wes started collecting donated clothing items at first and got them to students, but then created Blizzard Bundles of the High Country, a local 501(c)(3) to help ensure every student could be warmer in winter.
What We Collect
Donated items can include: mittens, gloves, scarves, winter hats, and socks. They can be:
new purchased items from store
handmade knitted or crocheted items
gently used (items that show little to no wear but have been used before) *we ask that no pre-worn socks are donated
*Please ensure items fall within one of these categories; we do not have storage or capacity for coats or other items
Blizzard Bundles stocks their sets currently in free stores and schools that Wes serves in his regular travels with GEAR UP. Once items are dropped off, school staff coordinate delivery to students who need it. Drop-offs occur at the following places:
Regional schools in Western NC
The Sustain Appalachian Free Store in East Hall at Appalachian State University
Grant Dean Food Pantry in The Reich College of Education's James Center [suite 105] at Appalachian State University
Drop Off Location at the James Center, Boone Nc.
Meet our Staff and Board of Directors
Treasurer
Blizzard Bundles comes from the most caring hearts. It is the little things that many don't think about. My background is in finance and bookkeeping. My hope for the future of Blizzard Bundles is for it to be able to continue to provide for all in need in the High Country.
Founder &
Executive Director
Wes has worked in public education for 26 years in high poverty and rural schools as a teacher and school counselor.
"Blizzard Bundles sprang out of the Firewood Ministry at Boone UMC. I delivered a load of firewood to the home of a current student one weekend and realized I could do something to help keep kids of Appalachia fight off the cold of winter by gathering lots of small, low-dollar items and filling a gap in the system of resources available. It's a passion project that will extend well into my retirement."
Board Member
Alex is our newest Board member. She is about the start her sophomore year at App State and is majoring in Parks & Recreation Management, with a Minor in Non-profit Organizations.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be involved with this organization!"
Hi, I’m Megan Studebaker. I’m a recent college graduate who loves working with people, telling meaningful stories, and helping good causes grow. Most of my experience has been in education and community programs, where I’ve worked with kids, families, and diverse groups through tutoring, mentoring, and youth development work.
I’ve always been drawn to nonprofit and service-based work because I care deeply about making a real difference in people’s lives. Whether I’m writing, organizing projects, or helping a team communicate its mission, I enjoy being part of something that brings people together and creates positive change in the community.
As a board member, I hope to support the organization through grant writing, storytelling, and thoughtful planning so it can continue to grow and serve more people in a meaningful way.
Board Member
I joined Blizzard Bundles of the High Country out of a deep belief in its mission to ensure that students in Western North Carolina have the essential winter accessories they need to feel safe, warm, and ready to learn. I have known the organization’s CEO for nearly forty years, and throughout our parallel careers in education, we have shared a commitment to supporting the whole child. We both understand that when a student’s physical needs are met, their attendance, confidence, and academic performance improve significantly.