December
Wednesday, Dec 31st
Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive
Food City has kicked off its 8th annual Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive. Now through Dec. 31, specially marked bags containing non-perishable food items, as well as bags containing pet food products, will be available for purchase for only $15 (plus tax) at all area Food City locations. Customers wishing to purchase the bags may deposit them in the collection bins located at the front of the store. One hundred percent of the products collected will benefit local hunger relief organizations and animal shelters throughout the region.
Wednesday, Dec 31st
Feed-A-Pet program
The CAC Office on Aging is collecting donations for the Feed-A-Pet program, which provides pet food to income-limited older adults who struggle to afford to feed their companion animals. Visit www.knoxseniors.org/our-services/feed-a-pet/ for a list of items needed, drop-off locations and links to donate online.
January
Sunday, Jan 4th
MEDIC December incentives
The holidays bring a decline in blood product donations. MEDIC is offering several special incentives and promotions to encourage donors to stop by a center or bus and give the gift of life.
From Dec. 26 through Jan. 4, the promotional offer is a $20 E-Gift Card for all whole blood and ALYX donors.
Appointments can be made online at www.medicblood.org, via the MEDIC app, or by calling 865-524-3074. Walk-ins are welcome.
Wednesday, Jan 7th
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
CMOco Marketing & Advertising, a Knoxville based advertising agency, has partnered with a national nonprofit to collect pet food for animals of people experiencing homelessness. Feeding Pets of the Homeless is the first national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing pet food and emergency veterinary care for pets that belong to people experiencing homelessness. The organization works with partners nationwide to collect donations and distribute essential supplies to help keep pets healthy and with their owners. Donations of pet food and supplies may be dropped off at CMOco’s office at 2030 Falling Waters Road during business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information on how to become a donation site or contribute, visit petsofthehomeless.org or call 775-841-7463.
Friday, Jan 30th
Tennessee’s EFS application window open
Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) application window for the 2026–2027 school year is open. Families who are already EFS beneficiaries and wish to renew for the 2026–2027 school year can begin submitting their renewal applications now. On Jan. 13, 2026, the application window opens for students who are not currently receiving an EFS scholarship. All applications must be submitted by Jan. 30. For questions related to all available school choice programs, call 615-741-5158 and select the prompts for Office of Programs and School Choice or e-mail EFS.Questions@tn.gov
