KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After several days of deals, Giving Tuesday is coming as a way to cap off the annual flurry of holiday shopping that comes after Thanksgiving. This year, it will be on Dec. 3.
Giving Tuesday encourages people to spend some time or money to benefit a nonprofit near them, helping transform their communities for the better. It started in 2012 as a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, Giving Tuesday has become a global movement meant to inspire people to volunteer or donate to help nonprofits that address ongoing issues.
The United Way of Greater Knoxville prepared a Holiday Volunteer Guide this year, listing different opportunities in East Tennessee. The opportunities are organized by different interests, such as the arts or helping children. The guide also lists specific shifts people can sign up for, as well as ongoing volunteer efforts.
One of the biggest volunteering opportunities involves hurricane relief efforts, as counties impacted by Hurricane Helene in upper East Tennessee continue recovering from the storm. People can sign up to organize and transport supplies, helping families recover from the storm hands-on.
There are also opportunities to organize and deliver meals for homebound seniors in East Tennessee through the Community Action Committee's Mobile Meals program.
While the United Way's guide offers several chances to help the community, it does not include every chance to give back on Giving Tuesday. Other nonprofits also have volunteering opportunities and are accepting donations to help people during the holidays.
Knox Pride is accepting donations of coats, sweaters, beanies, scarves and socks to help make sure people have warm clothes during cold weather. It is also aiming to raise $2,500 for its pantry that provides food and personal care products for anyone in the community. People can donate to Knox Pride online.
Young-Williams Animal Center is asking people to donate for Giving Tuesday. The animal shelter said around 11,000 animals come through its doors each year. The center relies on financial contributions to make sure all animals are cared for. It set a $10,000 goal for Giving Tuesday and has volunteer opportunities year-round.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is also collecting donations. It collects and coordinates food distributions across the region, serving several counties. The nonprofit said after Hurricane Helene, people rallied to make sure the community had supplies.
"We got our trucks there as soon as possible. We have pantries in Cocke County, we have schools in Cocke County with our Food for Kids program. One of our agencies was completely decimated," said Elaine Streno, the executive director of the nonprofit. "Initially in a tragedy like that, they'll need water. But in the days after, they need so much else."
Anyone who wants to donate to the nonprofit can do so online, or sign up to volunteer.
Remote Area Medical is also collecting donations. The nonprofit organizes free healthcare clinics across East Tennessee and beyond, giving people a chance to get medical attention regardless of their income level or location.
The Mission of Hope is also working to help communities across rural Appalachia, uplifting families through a variety of campaigns. Right now, it is running the annual Blue Barrel campaign, which places barrels in stores across the region where people can drop off donations. It is also raising money online.
