Through the Trees is the only nonprofit in the region dedicated to bridging the digital divide — providing refurbished devices and internet access to low-income and vulnerable residents of Transylvania County. In a world where job applications, telehealth appointments, school assignments, SNAP applications, and housing forms are all conducted online, reliable technology access has become essential infrastructure. Without it, residents are effectively shut out of critical services and economic opportunity. Since its founding, Through the Trees has served more than 2,176 individuals across the region with devices, digital literacy support, and internet access assistance.
Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support Through the Trees’ device refurbishment and connectivity programs. Grant funding will support the refurbishment and distribution of approximately 150 donated computers to qualifying students, seniors, job seekers, and low-income households — each device securely wiped, repaired, and upgraded before distribution. Funding will also support a Mobile Hotspot SIM Program providing 40 households with a year of affordable connectivity, partial staffing for program coordination, and operational improvements to increase the organization’s donated device intake capacity.
Referrals come through Transylvania County Schools, Blue Ridge Health, the Department of Social Services, Sharing House, El Centro, and other local nonprofits, ensuring devices reach residents who need them most. Notably, approximately 90% of households that receive internet assistance do not request it again — an indication that the support functions as a stabilizing bridge rather than an ongoing subsidy.
Through the Trees also serves as a Digital Opportunities Hub in collaboration with El Centro, Sharing House, and Transylvania Habitat, and is a member of the Blue Ridge Broadband Alliance, advocating for expanded digital access across Western North Carolina.
For more information, please contact Yvette Brooks, Executive Director, at 828-351-3972 or yvette@throughthetrees.us
