Community starts here.
Connecting people who care with ways to help.
In United Way of Greater Knoxville’s five-county service area, 49,000 people will be impacted by the pausing of SNAP benefits on November 1. With our nonprofit partners, we are working to ensure support is accessible.
Due to increased demand on pantries and food distribution programs, volunteers and donations are needed. To volunteer or donate food or supplies, click here or the button below.
If you would like to make a monetary gift in support of this work, you can make a secure donation here.
If you or someone you know is affected by the government shutdown or the pausing of SNAP benefits, we have local resources to help.
Want to stay in the know about upcoming volunteer opportunities? Subscribe to our newsletter! We send out weekly volunteer highlights and tips.
Email our team at info@unitedwayknox.org.
The Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards celebrate exceptional volunteers across Knox, Grainger, Jefferson, Claiborne and Union Counties who dedicate their time and talents to improving their communities. Each county submits one Adult Volunteer and one Student Volunteer for their outstanding service, with statewide honorees celebrated at a special recognition event hosted by Volunteer Tennessee.
The deadline to submit nominations is November 7th, 2025.
Whether you’re an individual seeking a fulfilling opportunity, a family teaching your children the importance of giving back, a group hoping to gather friends for a fun experience, or a corporation interested in making an impact, we have volunteer opportunities to fit your needs.
Join the Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning on one of the best wildflower trails in Oak Ridge to remove invasive garlic mustard and protect native plants.
Volunteer with the Greater Knoxville Special Olympics! Support is needed at the upcoming Track and Field events for elementary and middle school, high school, and adults.
FISH Hospitality Pantries is seeking volunteers in their warehouse and at the storefront. Sign up to set up food displays, help guests pick out groceries, sort goods, and more.
On February 24, join for a fun day of weeding, watering, harvesting and building raised beds.
Help serve dinner to people staying in the local shelter. This need is ongoing, and volunteers are needed daily.
Help distribute food donations to your neighbors in need. Volunteer to sort donations, load food boxes, direct traffic, gather materials and more.
Volunteer East Tennessee (VETN) is a program of the United Way of Greater Knoxville. It serves as the region’s volunteer center, a match-maker between community volunteers and nonprofit organizations. Local volunteers have the ability to choose from over 200 organizations with posted needs to serve their community. Click here to get started as a nonprofit partner or volunteer.