Key Highlights
- Republic Services partners with AAA-D from the Southeast Tennessee Development District to hand out 300 free turkeys in Cleveland.
- The Union Gospel Mission will host an annual Thanksgiving meal for unhoused neighbors on Wednesday, November 27, 2025.
- Erlanger’s Children’s Hospital at Erlanger invites community members to donate Tiny Trees for pediatric patients through its annual program.
Community Comes Together: Holiday Helpings for Thanksgiving and Beyond
As the holiday season approaches, communities across Cleveland, Tennessee, are stepping up to ensure that everyone has a warm meal and a sense of belonging. This year, several local organizations are focusing their efforts on providing much-needed support to those in need, with a particular emphasis on Thanksgiving.
Free Turkeys for Seniors
In Cleveland, Republic Services partnered with AAA-D from the Southeast Tennessee Development District to hand out 300 free turkeys at the Bradley Cleveland Senior Activity Center on Monday, November 24, 2025. Demetries Ramsey, executive director of the Bradley Cleveland Community Services Agency, expressed the joy and significance of this partnership.
“I cannot tell you the joy that we feel to have had this partnership and to be able to see the smiles on families’ faces,” said Ramsey. “Our seniors feel seen, heard, not forgotten about. They feel special that they were blessed this Thanksgiving season.”
A Warm Meal for Unhoused Neighbors
The Union Gospel Mission is hosting its annual community Thanksgiving meal for unhoused neighbors on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at 200 E. MLK Blvd. According to Rev.
Jon Rector, executive director, guests will be served a warm holiday meal at outdoor tables. The mission is requesting donations of money and essential items such as toiletries, gloves, socks, and snacks.
“With the help of our generous community, we expect to serve more than 400 hot Thanksgiving meals,” said Rector. “This year, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people struggling to make ends meet or experiencing homelessness. We are prepared to meet the need and are trusting the community to step up again.”
Brightening Hospital Rooms with Tiny Trees
Erlanger’s Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is once again inviting the community to help brighten the holidays for young patients through its annual Tiny Trees program. Each donated miniature Christmas tree will be delivered to a child’s hospital room in early December and can be taken home once they are discharged.
“Erlanger’s Tiny Trees really brighten up our pediatric hospital rooms,” said Lois Simpson, senior child life specialist. “I have seen this program bring so many smiles to our patients over the years, and we look forward to continuing this merry tradition.”
The guidelines for donating include that trees must be artificial, new, and under 3 feet tall. They should be decorated with a child- or teen-friendly theme, toys and ornaments must be securely wired to the tree, and battery-powered lights are preferred.
Trees may be dropped off Thursday, December 4th or Friday, December 5th between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the main entrance of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Donations are limited to one tree per person, group, or organization unless arranged with hospital staff. For more details, contact Emilia Jones at 423-778-7892 or [email protected].
These community initiatives not only provide immediate assistance but also foster a sense of unity and support during the holiday season. As Sandy White from the Bradley Cleveland Senior Activity Center shared, “I have lunch here every day.
I joined last December and in that time I lost 19 pounds and am not taking as much insulin. It has been a great benefit to me.”
By coming together, these local organizations are ensuring that no one is left behind during this special time of year.
