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Stories that were straight from the heart of East Tennessee in 2021

These are some of the moments that brought a smile to our faces, made us laugh and reminded us what it means to be a Volunteer.

TENNESSEE, USA — In a year marked by change even as the COVID-19 pandemic still loomed, we wanted to celebrate by taking a look back at some of our area's most Straight From The Heart moments.

2021 was certainly interesting, but we made it through together.

These are some of the moments that brought a smile to our faces, made us laugh and reminded us what it means to be a Volunteer.

January

A Knoxville toddler became a viral sensation for her pure excitement over food.

RELATED: Knoxville toddler can't contain her excitement when she sees food

February

A 2-year-old Vol fan did not let naptime get in the way of cheering for his favorite team. 

RELATED: 2-year-old Vol fan who was supposed to be sleeping sings Rocky Top instead

March

When a bridge collapse in Sevier County left families homeless, a non-profit stepped in to help.

RELATED: Non-profit helping Sevier Co. families left homeless by bridge collapse after being told they'd have to move

April

A terminally ill man surprised the staff at a Gatlinburg steakhouse with a $1,000 tip.

RELATED: Gatlinburg tourist surprises steakhouse staff with $1,000 tip

May

VFL Peyton Manning put some heat on the ceremonial first pitch at a UT baseball game.

RELATED: Watch Peyton Manning put some heat on the ceremonial first pitch at UT's baseball game

June

For the first time since 2005, the Vols made it to the Super Regionals and even flew to Omaha for the College World Series.

RELATED: What's with Tennessee Vols baseball and the Daddy hat?

July

A Knoxville tattoo artist didn't let vandals spoil her dream of opening her own business.

RELATED: A Knoxville tattoo artist's dream came crashing down, but she refuses to let vandals steal her life's work

August

A single mother started a home repair business to help women and the elderly

RELATED: Single mother starts home repair business to help women and the elderly

September

Three Dolly Parton songs landed on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.

RELATED: Three Dolly Parton songs land on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list

October

A Blount County Elementary School student modeled in New York Fashion Week.

RELATED: Blount County Elementary School student models in New York Fashion Week

November

A West Knoxville couple went viral on TikTok after realizing their new frosted glass window wasn't that private.

RELATED: West Knoxville couple goes viral on TikTok | 'We didn't realize our frosted glass window isn't that private'

December

An anonymous donor bought a flight so an Anderson County student could have a chance to see his mom.

RELATED: Anderson County anonymous donor buys flight so student has chance to see mom

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