Connect Cares

November 2024 - Throughout November, our Cares Team organized a peanut butter drive to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. As a leader in the fight against hunger, Second Harvest is dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes without food. Connect Cares is honored to have contributed to this vital initiative. 

In addition,  through our partnership with Second Harvest of East Tennessee, the Connect Cares team provided financial support to help communities in East Tennessee impacted by Hurricane Helene.

October 2024 - In October, the Cares Team participated in Coats for the Cold, a Knoxville tradition since 1985, organized by Knox Area Rescue Ministries. By collecting coats at our branches, we are proud to support our community and help keep those in need warm during the colder months.

Thanks to the support of our staff and members, we were able to donate more than five large bags of coats for all ages this year. Together, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing the harsh realities of winter, embodying the spirit of community and compassion.

September 2024 - Since 2008, tnConnect has been a key partner in the Second Harvest Food for Kids program, providing essential support in the fight against childhood hunger in our community. For many years, our Seymour branch has served the Seymour school system, and in September, our Cares Team expanded our impact by partnering with another Knoxville elementary school. 

Through our participation in the Food for Kids program, we help provide nutritious food to children every week. Our dedicated staff packs food bags, ensuring that each child receives a bag of meals every Friday.  Second Harvest often receives reports of improved self-esteem, behavior, and concentration among Food for Kids participants. We are proud to support this invaluable initiative!

August 2024 - The Cares Team was thrilled to participate in the 2024 Greater Knoxville Heart Walk, held at the Knoxville Zoo on August 17th. This inspiring event brought together members of our tnConnect staff and their families, who eagerly joined the walk to support the cause of heart health. Walking together through the beautiful zoo paths, our team demonstrated their commitment to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and supporting those affected by heart disease.

Throughout the year, our dedicated employees have generously donated to the Greater Knoxville American Heart Association. Their contributions help fund vital research, education, and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing heart disease and stroke, which remain leading causes of death in our community and across the country.

We are proud of our team's efforts to make a positive impact on heart health and look forward to continuing our support for the American Heart Association. Together, we can help build a healthier, stronger community.

July 2024 - In July, The Cares Team took the initiative to coordinate school supply drives for two local schools: Seymour Primary School and West Hills Elementary School. Understanding the importance of a strong start to the academic year, the Cares Team aimed to ensure that both teachers and students had the necessary materials to thrive.

Through the generosity of our members and staff, we were able to collect a wide range of supplies, including notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, and other essential items. These donations will help alleviate the financial burden on families and teachers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—learning and growth.

We are committed to supporting education in our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact. The Cares Team looks forward to continuing our efforts to help local schools and empower students and educators alike.

June 2024 - The Cares Team was proud to participate in several acts of kindness to support our local emergency services community. As part of our ongoing commitment to giving back, the Cares Team donated a variety of snacks and bottled water to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, and Knoxville Fire Station 18. These donations were a small token of our appreciation for the tireless work these first responders do every day to keep our communities safe.

We recognize the tremendous effort and dedication shown by these brave men and women, and we are honored to have the opportunity to support them. The Cares Team looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships within our community and finding new ways to give back to those who serve us all.

May 2024 - tnConnect’s volunteer group, Connect Cares, was proud to donate to Helping Mamas Knoxville.  Helping Mamas Knoxville collects and redistributes baby items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, clothes, and car seats to 75+ partner organizations across East Tennessee.  Connect Cares was able to donate diapers and menstrual care items because of the generous donations from our staff. Connect with Helping Mamas or www.tennessee.helpingmamas.org