From ringing bells to delivering meals, East Tennesseans have more than 80 ways to give back this holiday season through United Way of Greater Knoxville’s (UWGK) 2026 Voliday Guide. The annual digital resource includes volunteer opportunities with 35 local nonprofits for individuals, families and groups. Last year, the guide connected 802 volunteers with organizations across the region.
The guide features both ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities, including Salvation Army Red Kettle shifts beginning Nov. 10 and Teacher Shop Day at the Knox County Teacher Supply Depot on Nov. 17. Families and coworkers also can team up to deliver Mobile Meals to homebound seniors through the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be difficult for many facing hardship,” said Chrystal Armstrong Brown, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville. “Volunteerism defines East Tennessee, and the Voliday Guide is a resource for anyone who wants to carry on our community’s long history of caring for our neighbors.”
Opportunities are organized into five impact areas: hunger and homelessness; children and youth; health and wellness; animals and environment; and winter needs and wish lists. Listings are marked as family-friendly or group activities where applicable.
The 2026 guide also invites businesses and civic groups to turn a holiday gathering or office party into a Voliday Party: UWGK matches the group with a hands-on volunteer project, such as assembling kits for local nonprofits, at the office or wherever they’re celebrating.
“Our mission is to connect people and resources to strengthen our community, and our nonprofit partners are central to that effort,” Armstrong Brown said. “Whether through grantmaking, partnerships or volunteer support, we are committed to helping nonprofits build their capacity, better serve our neighbors and expand the sector’s collective impact. The Voliday Guide is an invitation for every individual, family and business to join us in that work.”
The Voliday Guide is a publication of Volunteer East Tennessee, UWGK’s volunteer center. New volunteer opportunities will be added every two weeks throughout the holiday season, from Nov. 9 through Jan. 1, 2027. The guide is available at uwgk.org/voliday-guide.
About United Way of Greater Knoxville
United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) unites people and resources to strengthen communities. As one of more than 1,100 United Ways working in more than 30 countries, UWGK is dedicated to creating a community where all neighbors can thrive.
UWGK’s Volunteer East Tennessee, the region’s volunteer center, offers a free online platform that helps local nonprofits recruit, engage and manage volunteers while connecting community members with opportunities to serve. Volunteer East Tennessee is a member of the Tennessee Serves Network, a statewide collaboration of local volunteer centers. Learn more at uwgk.org.
Discover more from Inside of Knoxville
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.