KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Food is essential for every East Tennessean, but with rising costs, it may not be affordable for everyone. Generous House Knoxville was founded by members of Transformation Church as a diaper bank and monthly food bank.
The drive-thru pantry happens on the first Saturday of every month. It's done in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank.
"Our goal is to provide food, diapers and any other needs that might be for our community," said Erin Gray, the director of Generous House. "We do that monthly through a drive-thru pantry, where we distribute lunch, we give diapers, we give produce meats and a pretty robust box of pantry goods."
Gray said people can find healthy options in their food boxes.
People are asked to register online to secure a box for their families. They're also able to sign up for diapers if they have kids.
"Anyone that has a food need is able to get a food box," said Gray. "So let's say someone loses a job, or there's some type of medical bills that come up out of nowhere. We're here for anyone no questions asked."
Samantha Williams said she has been to the drive-thru pantry several times. She said it's a big help for her family.
"We welcomed a baby last year, knowing that they gave out diapers was just a huge draw for us," said Williams. "Not a lot of places do it. And it was a really big help. And it really just helped bridge the gap between me taking some time off work and then getting the house back in order."
Williams said it's okay to ask for help, and the people who serve you are friendly.
"They're some of the most welcoming people," said Williams. "They are always very sweet to me, very sweet to my children. I don't feel like there is anything more than just a bunch of very happy helping people here."
And Gray agrees. She said she knows what it's like to be in need, and she's happy to give back.
"I grew up in poverty," said Gray. "And it's one of those things of being able to be on the other side of that. I feel really blessed and fortunate. And we just feel grateful to be able to partner, and what God's doing and pour that love out to our community."
Gray said the volunteers can connect people with resources if they need additional help.
She said community members and businesses are also able to help out.
"On our website, there's a part on the bottom that says how can I get involved," said Gray. "And so if it's a business, if it's a sports team, and they want to volunteer, that's great. If you're a business and you want a diaper drive, and you want to donate diapers here, so then we can give them out. There's so many different opportunities, whether you're an individual or corporation, another church, so anybody can be involved."
For information, you can contact, Erin Gray, at erin@generoushouseknox.org.