Knoxville families facing homelessness or financial hardship can receive help this holiday season thanks to a new drive by the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC). VMC is asking community members to donate new or gently used clothing and gift cards for its Clothing Closet, which supports individuals and families in need.
How to donate
Donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on December 7, 8, 9, and 10 at the VMC office located at 511 N. Broadway in downtown Knoxville. Those who cannot make the drop‑off dates may arrange an earlier contribution by emailing [email protected]. The deadline for holiday donations is December 10.
Other local ministries highlighted
In this week’s Mission Monday column, KnoxTNToday also spotlighted several other nonprofit partners serving East Tennessee:
- Faith N Friends – a 501(c)(3) horse rescue and sanctuary in Corryton, TN, that matches rescued horses with caring owners while educating the community.
- Harmony Family Center – since 1996, Harmony has delivered therapeutic services and innovative programming to more than 211,000 children, families, and individuals across the state, working closely with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
- Hillcrest Healthcare Foundation – a longtime nonprofit supporting seniors through health‑care access, workforce development, and community‑based programs such as the PATHS initiative.
- Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley – a regional animal‑welfare organization that reports a 98 % live‑outcome rate for animals entering its shelters.
- Knox Area Project Access (KAPA) – since 2006, KAPA has coordinated health‑care for more than 38,000 low‑income East Tennesseans across 22 counties.
- Sacred Ground Hospice – a 501(c)(3) hospice founded in 2017 that provides residential hospice care with a focus on family and spiritual support.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – works to end hunger by distributing food, offering nutrition education, and addressing poverty throughout the region.
- United Way of Greater Knoxville – funds a range of initiatives across five counties and operates the 2‑1‑1 helpline for community assistance.
- YWCA Knoxville – serving over 11,300 individuals annually through programs in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville, and Oak Ridge, with a legacy dating back to 1899.
Why community support matters
These ministries embody the spirit of service that strengthens families, upholds Christian values, and protects individual liberty by offering voluntary aid rather than government mandates. By contributing clothing, gift cards, or time, Knoxville residents help preserve the dignity of those experiencing hardship and reinforce the neighborhood bonds that make our city thrive.
Get involved
Beyond donating clothing, readers can volunteer, spread the word on social media, or support any of the highlighted organizations through monetary gifts. Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok for updates on future Mission Monday initiatives and other ways to serve the community.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
