Ways to Give Back Locally

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 11:56am.

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, many of our community’s more fortunate residents are searching for ways to give back locally in Middle Tennessee. We have dozens of organizations that are based right here, which ensures that your time or donations of goods or services will be put to compassionate use, taking care of the people and animals who live alongside us.

The great news is that it doesn’t take a huge donation of time or money to make an impact! Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.

We’ve organized the following opportunities by category, which we hope will allow you to connect with a cause that’s close to your heart. 


Battling Food Insecurity

Food banks are always in need of canned beans, canned fish, nut and seed butters, complete canned meals like hearty soups, stews, and chili, low-sodium vegetables, fruits packed in juice, healthy cooking oils, holiday non-perishables, and whole grains like rice, corn, and oatmeal. 

Alternatively, consider a cash donation. Food banks have immense purchasing power because they buy items in bulk. 

You may also decide to participate in-person, either by organizing and stocking or handing out food to those in need. Follow the links below to learn more about how you can help the organization you’d like to support.


Second Harvest Middle Tennessee

331 Great Circle Road | Nashville

This organization has been feeding the hungry and jobless in Middle Tennessee since 1978 with donations and surplus foods from local grocery stores, farms, and distributors. Second Harvest also writes grants to raise funds that allow them to purchase, store, and deliver bulk food orders. Learn more about the impressive work they’re able to accomplish thanks to generous donations from our community.


The Little Pantry That Could 

2011 24th Ave North | Nashville

This shop allows anyone in need to shop without questions or judgment. Approximately 250 families per week rely on volunteers at The Little Pantry That Could to respectfully provide them with food and basic necessities every Saturday. 


Nashville Free Store

1213 Dickerson Pike | Nashville

At this location, shoppers are invited to shop freely, with no questions asked, and no judgment passed. Food (both canned and fresh), baby food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, masks, and school supplies are all provided to those in need.


Nashville Rescue Mission

639 Lafayette Street | Nashville

This Christian mission is dedicated to helping community members who are unhoused, facing food scarcity, or are dealing with physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. Nashville Rescue Mission provides food, clothing, and shelter. Support their efforts as they serve three hot meals per day, 365 days per year. All are welcome.


One Generation Away

320 Premier Ct Suite 218 | Franklin

This Franklin-based mobile food truck is dedicated to the belief that everyone who lives in the US should have access to healthy, delicious meals. To that end, they work to deliver fresh food directly to those in need, bridging the gap created by food deserts in low-income neighborhoods.

Join their efforts at their warehouse or help organize, package, distribute, and deliver food throughout Middle Tennessee at their mobile pantry one Saturday per month.


Nashville Community Fridge

1111 Dickerson Pike | 1411 Buchanan Street | Nashville

This group’s motto: “We all gotta eat!” Their solution? Refrigerators in public spaces, in front of businesses, where anyone can take what they need—no questions asked. Donors can likewise stock the refrigerators freely. To help those in need, bring fresh goods to either of the above refrigerator locations whenever you like.


Housing the Unhoused

Room in the Inn

705 Drexel Street | Nashville

In addition to their work providing transitional and permanent housing, winter shelter, guest housing, and recuperative care, Room in the Inn offers educational services, workforce development to all in need in Middle Tennessee. Their meal program provides breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Learn how to help in a variety of ways (even virtually) here.


Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville

Davidson | Wilson | Cheatham | Dickson

Habitat for Humanity relies on the collective power of volunteers to build brand-new, high-quality, affordable homes for hardworking Tennesseans who would not otherwise be able to benefit from homeownership.


Animal Welfare

Waldens Puddle

615-559-WILD

Walden’s Puddle is the only professionally staffed wild animal rehabilitation organization. Their staff cares for orphaned, ill, or injured native wildlife free of charge. They do not receive federal or state funding – instead, they rely on the local community to support their efforts.


Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center

(615) 270-9009

Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center is an entirely volunteer-run organization dedicated to facilitating connection, conservation, and coexistence between the people and wildlife of Middle Tennessee.


To help domestic animals throughout Middle Tennessee, consider donating goods, time, or funds to one of the following outstanding animal rescue efforts.

Proverbs 12:10 Rescue

Online Only | Middle Tennessee

Rutherford County PAWS

285 John R Rice Blvd | Murfreesboro

Agape Animal Rescue

Online Only | Nashville

Nashville Humane Association

213 Oceola Ave | West Nashville 

New Leash on Life

507 Jim Draper Blvd | Lebanon

Williamson County Animal Center

106 Claude Yates Dr | Franklin

Safe Place for Animals

905 Mallard Dr | Gallatin

Mt Juliet Animal Care & Control

115 Industrial Dr | Mt Juliet

Love at First Sight!

4423 Murphy Rd | Nashville | Sylvan Park


More Ways to Give Back

Epilepsy Foundation of Middle and West Tennessee

701 Murfreesboro Pike Ste 200 | Nashville

There are around 140 thousand people in Middle and West Tennessee living with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation is here to help, and you can get involved by raising awareness, advocating for care, volunteering at an Epilepsy Foundation event, or fundraising to support the mission.


Hands On Nashville

2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Suite 121 | Nashville

Hands On Nashville connects anyone who wants to volunteer with a cause where their time or donation can make the most impact.


Thank you for visiting Parks today. We appreciate your interest in giving back to the community we all love. If you would like to mention ways you love to give back, please leave us a comment below. 

We wish you the happiest of Thanksgiving seasons!

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