Thanksgiving in Knoxville, Tennessee, brought an outpouring of community spirit as organizations and volunteers joined forces to assist those in need. The Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) hosted its 39th annual Thanksgiving celebration on November 23, 2023, providing warmth and companionship to individuals who might otherwise have been alone on this holiday. The event served approximately 300 meals across two lunch seatings, thanks to the efforts of over 100 volunteers who prepared and served the food.
Generous contributions from local businesses enhanced the event, including a substantial donation from Rothchild Catering and festive floral centerpieces provided by Random Acts of Flowers. For many volunteers, such as Aashi and Anusha Vora, participating in the event has become a cherished family tradition. “Every Thanksgiving, it’s something that we do before we get our own Thanksgiving started. To give back to the community and just be reminders of how grateful we are for all the opportunities and privileges that we have,” they noted.
In addition to the meal service, KARM organized various activities, including games and a Thanksgiving Day Parade watch party, making the celebration a holistic community affair.
Scott County Breaks Records with Free Meals
Meanwhile, in nearby Scott County, RaeZack’s Grill and Deli achieved a significant milestone by serving free Thanksgiving meals to over 1,000 individuals. This marked a new record for their annual tradition, which began in 2019. Volunteers such as Paula Bridges prioritized their community service by arranging her family’s Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the month so she could dedicate the holiday to helping others. “I think that as an individual and as a Christian, this is exactly what we’re supposed to do,” Bridges expressed.
Both events highlight the essence of Thanksgiving: community, compassion, and the spirit of giving. As local organizations and families continue to embrace these values, the impact on those in need remains profound, reinforcing the importance of charity and togetherness during the holiday season.
