KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and families across East Tennessee are preparing their traditional turkeys to enjoy with each other. Some nonprofits are also working to make sure people across East Tennessee are able to enjoy a meal.
Some organizations prepared boxes of food that families could take home with them, helping make sure they could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal no matter issues they may have with food insecurity. Others are hosting gatherings of people, preparing plates for people who may not have elsewhere to go on Thanksgiving.
A list of different organizations and some of their plans to support the community during Thanksgiving is available below.
- KARM: KARM hosts a Thanksgiving Day celebration every year, bringing together people who may not have homes to enjoy a fresh plate of food around a table with others. This year, KARM said it expects to serve around 400 meals with three lunch seatings. People can stop by on Nov. 23 at either 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
- Knox Pride: Organizers are planning to host an event that celebrates community and inclusivity, bringing together a diverse range of people to share a meal and exchange stories at South Press. The "Kox Pride and South Press Friendsgiving" starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 24. It will be the nonprofit's third annual Friendsgiving event.
- The Love Kitchen: Volunteers started preparing Thanksgiving meals in early October, expecting to serve around 2,400 meals. The nonprofit works with "homebound, homeless and unemployed people" to make sure they have clean clothing that's appropriate for the season and that they can enjoy healthy meals.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee: This nonprofit works to make sure everyone in East Tennessee has nutritious food. They work with food pantries in the area to address food insecurity. Ahead of Thanksgiving, they also hosted a November Holiday Distribution event, giving out around 90,515 lbs. of food to 2,632 individuals in 697 households. Another Holiday Mobile Pantry is scheduled for Nov. 22 in Claiborne County from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Cumberland Gap High School.
- Oak Ridge Community Thanksgiving: Organizers of this group annually host a free community Thanksgiving dinner at a local church in Oak Ridge. It's located at High Places Community Church/Grove Theater on Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. Food is prepared by the group, and anyone can grab a plate.