Local TV stations hold drives for Operation Honor Guard, Second Harvest
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Last Tuesday was Giving Tuesday and a cold wind and a few snowflakes did not discourage two Knoxville television stations, WATE and WVLT, from helping two non-profit organizations.
The WATE staff joined honor guard members to raise much-needed funds for the annual Operation Honor Guard Day of Giving. The event took place not only in Knoxville’s Pinnacle at Turkey Creek and Knoxville Wholesale Furniture’s Clearance Center but also at Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, Enrichment Federal Credit Union in Oak Ridge, Claiborne-Overholt Funeral, Lenoir City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Food City in Morristown.
WATE backed up the outreach with a call-in show that lasted most of the day.
Funds raised by Operation Honor Guard go toward expenses their volunteers face as they are called upon to honor each fallen veteran in our area by attending services in full dress uniform, providing “Taps” and bagpipe honors, and presenting a multi-gun salute. The families of the deceased veterans are also presented with a ceremonial American flag and comforted in their grief by the guard, all at no cost to the families.
WATE and the local honor guard volunteers raised over half of its $50,000 goal during the effort.
You can still help by going to www.wate.com/operation-honor-guard/ to find out where to donate online.
WVLT hosted a food drive and fundraiser for Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of WVLT’s Days of Giving. Staff members at the station were joined by Second Harvest officials and people with food or cash donations could drive by and contribute.
Second Harvest has the goal of providing over 2.25 million meals to families struggling with food insecurity and is preparing for the historically low donation period in the post-holiday winter months.
“Inflation has placed a heavy burden on families, particularly those already facing hardship. This day of giving is an opportunity to support your food bank in providing critical meals during the colder months. Your generosity ensures that we can continue to serve our East Tennessee neighbors and offer a lifeline to those struggling to make ends meet,” said Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest, in a statement preceding the event.
The WVLT virtual food drive is ongoing as of press time at secondharvestetn.fenly.org/drive/wvlt
