KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In more than a month, families will gather across the U.S. and East Tennessee to enjoy Thanksgiving. While it may seem like a lot of time, nonprofits in East Tennessee are already preparing for the holiday.
The Love Kitchen said they hope to prepare around 70 turkeys this year and serve meals for around 2,400 people. 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.
On Monday, volunteers at the nonprofit were working to make sure some of their turkeys were ready for the holiday.
"We have to start this early every year, but this year has definitely been more of a challenge because our numbers have increased so much. There's such a need in this community, and in Knoxville in general," Faith Cline, who works with the nonprofit. "What you would typically have at home, that is what we want to give these people."
The Love Kitchen is also collecting turkey donations to help them feed as many people as possible. Anyone who wants to donate, or who wants to help The Love Kitchen out in other ways, can find more information online.
"It does mean a lot, but I don't expect it. That's not why I'm here — I'm not here for someone to tell me, 'Thank you,'" said Cline. "It makes me thankful for the blessings that I have in my own life."
She also said The Love Kitchen is currently out of turkeys to cook, and they are looking for more ahead of Thanksgiving.