United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) is excited to celebrate the impact of our community’s volunteers this season! Our Spring Volunteer Guide, which runs from April through June, matches dedicated volunteers with local organizations in need of support. This year, we are proud to announce that the guide saw record-breaking participation.
A total of 1,495 volunteers joined forces to serve with 50 organizations, contributing an astounding number of volunteer hours. This is almost double the participation we saw last year. With more nonprofits and volunteers participating, we made more connections and had a greater impact. The combined efforts of these volunteers translated into a monetary value of $99,934, demonstrating the profound impact of their time and dedication.
Volunteering plays a crucial role in strengthening our community. It addresses vital needs, fosters social connections, and enhances the quality of life for everyone involved. When individuals come together to volunteer, they build a stronger, more resilient community. Their efforts help bridge gaps in services, support local organizations, and create a culture of giving and support.
“Volunteers are invaluable to our work,” said Ijams Nature Center’s Volunteer Manager, Brandy Cox. “We could not exist without the help of hundreds of volunteers annually, whether they help with a one-time activity like a litter pickup, or regularly provide support for events, outreach, and land restoration efforts. Together, we build a better community, and all our lives are much richer.”
This season, volunteers showed up to help organizations and neighborhoods with a variety of needs. We saw community members put on their safety vests and participate in local park clean-ups and tree planting initiatives. Others donated their time to mentor students or assist at food banks and community kitchens. Even more helped organize and staff various community events, from charity runs to cultural festivals, making sure everything ran smoothly and attendees had a wonderful experience.
The success of this season’s guide would not have been possible without the passionate support of our community members. Their enthusiasm and hard work is driving positive changes in our neighborhoods. By coming together, we have not only supported more nonprofits but also made a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.
“Volunteers are more than just an extra set of hands in the Knoxville community; they are the heartbeat behind nonprofit work,” shared Emerald Youth Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator, Gracie Blair. “Without their help, our sports teams wouldn’t have coaches, our afterschool program wouldn’t have tutors, and our high schoolers wouldn’t have mentors.”
Building on Our Success
We are inspired by the outpouring of support we have seen the past few months. The record-breaking achievements of this season demonstrate the true Volunteer Spirit of our community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who contributed their time and energy. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more connected and resilient community.
Want to keep the momentum going? Volunteering is easy and rewarding. Visit uwgk.org/vol to keep showing your volunteer spirit! Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to a regular schedule, your support will help build a thriving community.
Volunteer Spotlights
