KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — East Tennessee nonprofits are preparing for a busy holiday week, making sure as many people as possible have a Thanksgiving meal to look forward to.
The United Way of Greater Knoxville and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries said they are prepping to help people celebrate the holiday. Combined, they will prepare more than 1,100 meals on Thanksgiving Day.
Jeremy Thornburg, the director of food services at KARM, said the nonprofit receives plenty of food services at around this time of the year.
"This time of year, people are very giving," he said.
KARM gives out three meals a day, 365 days a year, and Thanksgiving is no different.
"Typically, on an average day, we see about 600 people. Now we are expecting 700," said Thornburg.
The United Way partners with Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church every year. This year, it will give out 500 baskets of food to students in their community schools. Each basket has about $57 worth of groceries in it — totaling more than $28,000 of food going to students.
"We try to target folks who are already receiving food sources,” said Adam Fritts, the director of community schools with United Way. “So, students who may be on our weekend food program."
Second Harvest will have its mobile pantry open on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.