The Archives

Archives

A look back at past programs and projects that reflect the heart of the Barefoot Baby Foundation.

Miner’s Meadow Nature Park

May 2024

Miner’s Meadow Nature Park was constructed across from Lucky Strike Campground to create a safe, engaging outdoor space for children and families. Built in partnership with the NC Gold Foundation, the park includes a stage and improved entrance and was designed to support educational programming around North Carolina’s gold-mining history. The park remains open to the public with a waiver.

Community Partner:
NC Gold Foundation
Learn More About Miner's Meadow Park and the NC Gold Foundation.

This Little Light Program

September 2024 – January 2025

Created in response to Hurricane Helene, the This Little Light Program provided families with free activities for children during extended power outages. The program later expanded to deliver kits to 200 families, including a Mountain Made book, gratitude journal, and resiliency-focused art project.

Front Porch Project

September 2024 – June 2025

The Front Porch Project focused on creating welcoming, memory-ready outdoor spaces for McDowell County families. Three front porches were built in partnership with Hunter Construction, with décor and finishing touches added through a SparkGood grant from Walmart to encourage connection and family time.

Community Partners:
Hunter Construction · Lowe’s of Marion · Walmart of Marion · Spencer’s Hardware
View photo gallery

Memories by Mail: Santa Letters

November 23 – December 12, 2024

Memories by Mail invited children to send letters to Santa and receive a personalized response in return. In partnership with the McDowell Public Library, families could drop letters at multiple locations, including Barefoot Baby (financial Sponsor) and Davis Country Store & Café (financial sponsor) in Old Fort.

Community Partners:
Davis Country Store & Café · McDowell Public Library

Annual Family Traditions

Ongoing

Several family-focused events have become annual community traditions hosted by Barefoot Baby, including:

  • MTA Family Day (since 2023)

  • Halloween Pizza & Dance Party (since 2024): 2025 Gallery

  • Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Gold Nugget Drop (since 2024)

  • Fourth of July Parade participation (Bubble Truck debut in 2025)