Knoxville Comes Together for Successful Week of Caring
Knoxville was alive with community spirit last week as the United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) celebrated the success of its inaugural Week of Caring. This heartwarming five-day event saw corporate partners, educators, and community members join forces to directly impact the lives of over 6,400 students across UWGK’s 16 Community Schools. The response from local businesses and volunteers was nothing short of inspiring!
Taking Action for Local Students
During the Week of Caring, participants rallied together, proving that when it comes to supporting our youth, they mean business! A total of twenty corporate teams participated enthusiastically, collecting over $2,000 worth of essential classroom supplies through engaging supply drives. But that wasn’t all—volunteers also assembled 125 wellness kits for teachers to help them take care of their health as they support their students.
Impactful projects took place at ten schools: Beaumont Magnet Academy, Belle Morris Elementary, Christenberry Elementary, Dogwood Elementary, Green Magnet Academy, Lonsdale Elementary, Maynard Elementary, New Hopewell Elementary, Norwood Elementary, and Spring Hill Elementary. The willingness of local businesses to give back was evident, with companies like UT Medical Center and Wallace Real Estate stepping up as Gold Sponsors, among others like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and First Horizon Bank serving as Bronze Sponsors.
The Power of Community
Matt Ryerson, President and CEO of UWGK, expressed appreciation for all involved, remarking, “We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, corporate volunteers, and community partners who came together to create a lasting impact on our Community Schools and our city.” His words perfectly captured the essence of collaboration that the Week of Caring showcased.
George Wallace, CEO of Wallace Real Estate, couldn’t agree more. “Community Schools are a great way we can really connect with local families. The school acts as a core gathering place, connecting people to the grassroots needs of the community,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives.
Creating Welcoming Spaces
The week wasn’t just about collecting supplies—it was also a time for action! Over a hundred volunteers rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly on various projects that revitalized school spaces. Outdoor areas were spruced up, staff workrooms were organized, and clothing closets received much-needed attention. As a result, these improvements created warm and vibrant spaces for students and staff alike.
Principal Sarah Mercer of New Hopewell Elementary shared her appreciation, stating, “All of the teachers have been raving about how beautiful the front of our school looks! It’s not only made an impact on our school but on our community as well. Thank you for helping beautify our school!”
A Strong Community Presence
The spirit of volunteerism extended beyond corporate teams, with community leaders, including Mayor Indya Kincannon and Senator Becky Massey, actively participating in the events. Mayor Kincannon commented, “It was great to see so many people helping out at Belle Morris Elementary, a school near and dear to my heart. The United Way Community Schools Initiative brings people together to help create a brighter future.”
Looking Ahead
As UWGK reflects on the success of the Week of Caring, there’s an air of excitement about the potential for future initiatives. Their heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who played a role in this transformative event. If you’re intrigued and would like to get involved, you can learn more about UWGK’s Community Schools and upcoming volunteer opportunities by visiting their website.
The Week of Caring was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together, working hand in hand for the betterment of our children and their schools. Here’s to fostering connections, supporting education, and enhancing our Knoxville community together!
