Seniors in Cleveland receive free turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn & CLEVELAND, Tenn. —
Two days before Thanksgiving, seniors and families in Cleveland lined up outside the Bradley Cleveland Senior Activity Center for a welcome gift.
Republic Services partnered with AAA-D from the Southeast Tennessee Development District to hand out 300 free turkeys on Monday.
Demetries Ramsey, executive director of the Bradley Cleveland Community Services Agency, said the donation came at the right time.
“I cannot tell you the joy that we feel to have had this partnership and to be able to see the smiles on families’ faces,” Ramsey said. “Our seniors feel seen, heard, not forgotten about. They feel special that they were blessed this Thanksgiving season.”
Holiday helpings: Free turkeys, meals, and tiny trees brighten the season across our area
Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis said families are still dealing with delays in SNAP benefits and high grocery prices.
“A lot of charitable organizations are getting together and doing things like this, which is wonderful,” Davis said. “For Republic to step up and say they would like to be involved is really great.”
Seniors at the center told us the support goes far beyond a turkey. Many rely on the center’s nutrition program, activities, and social connection.
Sandy White said joining the center helped her get her diabetes under control.
“I have lunch here every day,” White said. “I joined last December and in that time I lost 19 pounds and I am not taking as much insulin. It has been a great benefit to me.”
Member Jackie Sickle said the center brings people out of isolation.
“There is so much going on here and people do not need to sit at home,” Sickle said. “You have to keep moving. Get up out of your chairs and come check us out.”
Union Gospel Mission to serve free Thanksgiving meal to unhoused neighbors
Photo via Union Gospel Mission.
The Union Gospel Mission will host its annual community Thanksgiving meal for unhoused neighbors this Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at 200 E. MLK Blvd.
Guests will be served a warm holiday meal at outdoor tables, and volunteers are invited to help throughout the event.
Photo via Union Gospel Mission.
“With the help of our generous community, we expect to serve more than 400 hot Thanksgiving meals,” said Rev. Jon Rector, the mission’s executive director. “This year, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people struggling to make ends meet or experiencing homelessness. We are prepared to meet the need and are trusting the community to step up again.”
The mission is requesting donations of money and essential items. Gallon-sized bags filled with toiletries, gloves, socks, and snacks are especially needed and will be handed out at the event.
Monetary donations can be made online or by mail, and in-kind gifts, including Walmart or Food City gift cards, can be dropped off at the mission’s Signal Hills location.
More information is available by calling 423-752-4998.
Erlanger asks community to donate Tiny Trees for pediatric patients
Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is once again inviting the community to help brighten the holidays for young patients through its annual Tiny Trees program. Each donated miniature Christmas tree will be delivered to a child’s hospital room in early December, and patients can take their tree home once they are discharged.
“Erlanger’s Tiny Trees really brighten up our pediatric hospital rooms,” said Lois Simpson, senior child life specialist. “I have seen this program bring so many smiles to our patients over the years, and we look forward to continuing this merry tradition.”
Donation guidelines include:
- Trees must be artificial, new, and under 3 feet tall.
- Trees should be decorated with a child- or teen-friendly theme.
- Toys and ornaments must be securely wired to the tree.
- No glass, sharp objects, food items, or choking hazards.
- Battery-powered lights are preferred.
Trees may be dropped off Thursday, December 4th or Friday, December 5th between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the main entrance of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Donations are limited to one tree per person, group, or organization unless arranged with hospital staff.
For more details, contact Emilia Jones at 423-778-7892 or emilia.jones@erlanger.org
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