Give back to get back. | Photo by Seven Islands State Birding Park
Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January — today. It’s also the only federal holiday also designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement across communities.
In recognition, here are 15+ ways to give back around Knoxville.
Natural-born teachers and mentors
UWGK Community Schools | Students, educators, families, and neighborhoods thrive when you volunteer at one of 16 local elementary schools or cross an item off its Amazon wishlist.
Supporters of victims of abuse
McNabb Center | Share your time giving back to the region’s leading provider of mental health, substance use, social, and victim services.corporate group project.
Good neighbors
Second Harvest Food Bank | Feed fellow Tennesseans in 18 counties with Tuesday through Saturday shifts (9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.) sorting donated items, packing food boxes, working at Mobile Pantries, and facilitating special events.
Six-year-old Khyana, a three-legged red panda, is the newest furry face at Zoo Knoxville. See a video of the newcomer or send her a welcome gift from the zoo’s red panda wishlist. (Knox TN Today)
Closing
Saint Lucille’s Kitchen and Last Days of Autumn Brewing will close permanently this Saturday, Jan. 24. Mike and Tracy Frede, who own both locations, said at least one closure is due to “changing marketing conditions.” (WATE 6)
Today Is
Dolly Parton Day, as declared by Gov. Bill Lee. Today is the country music legend’s 80th birthday — learn more about her journey from Locust Ridge to national stardom. (WBIR)
Mansion Monday
A new record-breaking condo recently sold for $21 million in Las Vegas, with skyline views of Sin City from within a prestigious country club. Here in Knoxville, the most expensive condo we could find on the market is spectacular, too. (Realtor)
Read
Knox County Library’s EPIC Read City Challenge kicks off this Saturday, Jan. 24 with a dinosaur-themed event. Dino enthusiasts will be able to see skeleton replicas, engage in “prehistoric play,” and pick up a reading passport.
Sports
Some new transfers may mean big things for the Vols. Hear from the local experts on the Tennessee Volunteers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Read
Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer. Learn the most important tech news delivered in just two short emails a week with The Code, trusted by 100,000+ engineers at companies like Google, Meta, and Apple. It’s free to subscribe.*
Health
Don’t let orthopedic pain hold you back. Visit one of Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance‘s Orthopedic Urgent Care clinics for same-day care without the hassle and high costs of an emergency room visit. Schedule an appointment or walk in.*
The Buy
Our favorite two-piece set featuring a knit sweater vest and pants. Pair it with your favorite cardigan for winter wardrobing, then wear it on its own as the weather warms for effortless, year-round style.
