KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Positively Living and Choice Health Network provides care to around 6,000 people and families living with HIV. The nonprofit organization started its annual "Day of Hope" event in collaboration with Covenant Health's Hope Center.
Going into its 24th celebration, Angela Bartlett, the senior director of development and marketing, said they anticipated serving more clients.
"The need is growing across the area and we want to be able to support those living with HIV. They've really come to rely on this program," she said.
The organization applied for a grant to meet the increased need without reducing the number of people it could serve. WBIR's parent company, TEGNA, provided a $2,400 grant to help the event continue to grow.
During the event, clients receive a "hope bucket," now a backpack, with hygiene products, cleaning supplies and other essentials. The bag also includes a gift card so clients can purchase a holiday meal.
"Things that can often be outside of a person's normal purchasing power. So us being able to supplement it gives them a little more room during the holidays," Bartlett said.
Registered clients could also submit a wishlist from a child in their life. The organization bought gifts and wrapping paper, allowing clients to wrap and give the gifts themselves.
Bartlett said the event is usually held around Dec. 1, World Aids Day, as a way to remember those who have died from HIV/AIDs and those still living with it to remind them there's hope.
This year's "Day of Hope" will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6. Preregistered clients will receive their "hope buckets" and a boxed lunch. The Knoxville location is providing 106 buckets and 80 gifts. The other three locations in Chattanooga, Memphis and Cookeville bring those numbers up to 195 buckets and 170 gifts.