KNOXVILLE — They say it takes a village, but in this case, it takes a family to raise a village.
"It's Mayhem," Pam Luttrell said. "Never a dull moment around here."
She and her husband, Jerry, known as Pawpaw, have been taking care of foster children for nearly 30 years, all with the Holston Home for Children.
"I don't reckon we've ever turned anybody down," Jerry said. "57 foster children have come through this home, and all of them knew they were loved and cared for."
"I would do it all over again, because most of the kids can't help what has happened to them and they deserve a chance," Pam said, who they call 'Nana.'
On July 16, the Luttrell family took in what they say will be their last foster child, and the Holston Home for Children had a very big surprise.
Frank Newcomb announced that the Luttrells would be the first couple inducted into The Holston Home for Children's Hall of Fame.
"We want to thank you, and you don't understand what you have done for us, not only the children, but Holston as a whole. You have changed the dynamics and expectations of being a foster parent," Newcomb said.
Now that's Paying it Forward.
You can learn more about the Holston Home for Children at holstonhome.org