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Show Knoxville some love
Give back to get back. | Photo by Seven Islands State Birding Park
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit.
All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Knoxville to support with your time. Here are 21 volunteer opportunities to get involved with around K-Town.
🍎 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 their Amazon wishlist.
🦋 Social butterflies
Theatre Knoxville Downtown | You don’t have to be on stage to feed your passion for the dramatic arts with opportunities like running the theater’s box office, designing sets, and fundraising for future shows.
🤝 Good neighbors
United Way of Greater Knoxville | Whether you’re skilled in social media, coaching sports, or teaching science, there’s an opportunity for you to make a difference in Knoxville.
The Navy vet bringing her expertise to sports medicine
Presented by Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
Dr. Baird brings a team-first, patient-centered approach — focusing on education, collaboration, and the right treatment for each individual. | Photo provided by TOA East Tennessee
Meet Dr. Joanne Baird — a sports medicine surgeon who knows what it means to move, compete, and stay in the game.
A former Division I soccer player at the College of William & Mary, Dr. Baird has spent her life around athletics, both on the field and in the operating room. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University, completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego, and sharpened her expertise with a Sports Medicine fellowship at the Andrews Institute. She recently joined the TOA East Tennessee team.
Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Baird specializes in:
Shoulder and knee care
Sports injuries
And tendon and ligament conditions
With 12 years in active-duty service in the Navy, she approaches each patient’s care with a commitment to team-centered decision-making and offers both conservative + surgical options, including Mako® robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Want to learn more about TOA’s newest female sports medicine surgeon? Connect with TOA below to see how Dr. Baird can help you with your health journey.
Chick-N-Sack will soon open its first brick-and-mortar inside the former home of Sweet P’s Downtown Dive. Owner James “Boo” Jackson started the local spice company in his college dorm room, and his products are now in 30,000+ stores nationwide. (Inside of Knoxville)
Community
Attention local makers, musicians, and food vendors. Today’s your last chance to submit a vendor application for the 2026 Dogwood Arts Festival, happening Friday, April 24-Sunday, April 26 in downtown Knoxville.
Eat
Tomorrow, Feb. 17, is Mardi Gras, the annual pre-Lent celebration set to take over streets across the world. If you aren’t joining the 1.4 million expected visitors at the country’s biggest celebration in New Orleans, you can get a taste of the fun with some Cajun cuisine at Storming Crab.
Try This
Can’t get enough of the Winter Olympics? You’ve still got time to emulate Team USA’s success by trying out a winter sport of your own at Ice Chalet, where skating lessons, open sessions, and hockey are all on the schedule.
Mansion Monday
Britney Spears recently sold the rights to her entire music catalog for an estimated $200 million. For considerably less money, you could buy this recently listed Blue Grass mansion with 8,484 sqft of living space, two pools, and a theater room. (NBC News)
Travel
Planning an escape to Greece? You’re in good company — it’s the top-searched international destination for spring breakers in Tennessee. If your journey starts at McGhee Tyson Airport, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what to know before you head to the terminal.
Health
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) has been providing East Tennessee with premier orthopedic care for 20+ years. From treatments for joint pain to post-surgical care, discover TOA’s array of services and break free from the orthopedic pain that’s holding you back.*
Job
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your opening on our Job Board and get connected to top local talent.
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Health
Your heart may be sending signals you didn’t expect. Understanding your risk factors and recognizing less obvious symptoms can make a life-saving difference. Take Prisma Health’s free, fast Heart Health Assessment to learn your heart age.*
Learn
Garden design, color theory, calligraphy, portrait photography, embroidery. These are just a handful of the expert-led, creative classes available on Skillshare, an online learning community recognized by The New York Times and Forbes. Start a one month free trial + dive into new skills.*
Editor’s Pick
If you’re stuck at home, this is the next best thing to visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art in person. | Photo by @knoxvillemuseumofart
Did you know you can explore Knoxville without stepping outside? Let me explain.
Bonus: If this kind of armchair exploring is your thing, visit 2,000+ galleries and museums worldwide using Google Arts & Culture.
The Buy
Tired of being … tired? You’re not alone. For millions of people over 35, the problem isn’t stress, late nights, or a busy schedule — it’s mineral deficiency. That’s where Organixx Magnesium 7 comes in. The doctor-formulated supplement features seven highly absorbable forms of magnesium to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and wake up feeling well-rested.
What’s your favorite place to take out-of-towners when they visit Knoxville? I’m working on a guide for tourists and would love to include your recommendations. Drop me a line.