Blount County Prepares for Annual Christmas Clearinghouse to Support Families in Need

Get Ready for the Annual Christmas Clearinghouse in Blount County!

Hey there, Blount County! As we gear up for the holiday season, there’s an exciting and essential event coming your way: the **Annual Christmas Clearinghouse** is just around the corner! This wonderful initiative is here to brighten up the lives of families in need during Christmas time, and it’s happening from **Monday, September 16 to Thursday, September 19**.

How to Sign Up for Food Baskets and Toys

The Christmas Clearinghouse offers two fantastic programs via the Empty Pantry Fund which provides food baskets, and the Toys for Blount County initiative handled by the Junior Service League of Maryville, offering delightful toys for children. If you are in **need of assistance**, just grab your phone and call any of the following numbers: 865-306-4079, 865-314-4528, 865-315-3174, 865-320-7416, or 865-320-5393. And for our Spanish-speaking residents, there are volunteers on hand to help you out at 865-320-5393.

Not able to make it during those days? No worries! They’ve got you covered! For late registration, you can give a shout to 865-306-4079 or hit up their website at www.emptypantryfund.com to register online.

A Little History

For those who might be unfamiliar with the Empty Pantry Fund, it has been around since **1952**! This heartwarming collaboration started between local entities to ensure that families in our area received food during the festive period, and since then, they’ve been making a real difference. This year, they are set to distribute over **1,250 food baskets**! Isn’t it amazing how the community comes together to support each other?

Helping Hands For the Little Ones

The **Toys for Blount County** is a precious project that provides toys to families with children aged from **birth to 14 years**. So if you have little ones, this is a wonderful opportunity to make sure they find a little something special under the tree this season!

Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer or Donate!

And if you’re looking to lend a hand, the Junior Service League of Maryville would love to have you! Whether through volunteering or making a donation, every little bit helps in ensuring that families receive the joy they deserve during the holidays. Interested in contributing? Visit their website at www.jslofmaryville.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Mark your calendars too! The Empty Pantry Fund’s **2024 fundraising campaign** kicks off on **Saturday, November 2**, but keep in mind donations are welcomed all year long! If you wish to make a donation via PayPal, visit their website again at www.emptypantryfund.com or check out their Facebook page for more info!

Stay Connected!

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to keep in touch with the community. You can sign up for updates and breaking news that matter to you. Get your weekly newsletter filled with money advice from trusted sources, along with local business news and even sports recaps. It’s all about keeping our Blount County family informed!

As the holiday season approaches, let’s come together to make sure every family in our community can enjoy Christmas without any worries. Share this message with your friends and family, and let’s ensure that no one is left out during this festive time.