Knox County Red Book of Resources

08/28/2023

The backpack project for the homeless is a year round endeavor provided by the Knox County Red Book of Resources non-profit organization.

We are always in need of the following items:

*Small draw string backpacks
*Male & female socks (gently used is okay)
*Deodorant
*Hand sanitizer
*Chap stick
*Wet wipes
*Note pads
*Stamps
*Envelopes
*Feminine hygiene products (pads & tampons)
*Non-perishable food items & snacks
*Bottled water
*Snack, quart, & gallon size plastic baggies
*Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, & soap
*Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, & flossers
*Disposable razors
*Travel size Kleenex
*Hand/feet warmers
*Bug spray/bracelets
*Rain ponchos
*Trash bags
*Pony tail holders/hair clips/hair pins
*Combs
*Reusable water bottles
*AA/AAA batteries
*Small board/card games
*Candy (nothing that will melt)
*Lighters/ matches
* Throw blankets
*Sunglasses
*Puzzle books (find a word, crosswords, mazes, etc)
*Disposable dishes
*First aid items (band-aids, antibiotic ointment, cough drops, tweezers, alcohol wipes, etc)
*Nail clippers
*Chewing gum
*Swabs
*Headsets/earbuds
*Nail polish
*Spoons/forks
*Mini flashlights
*Hats, gloves, scarves (gently used is okay)
*Individual drink packets to add to bottled water
*Anything else you think could be needed

FYI - All backpacks include an Overdose Recovery Kit (Narcan) & Condoms. Harm reduction is very near & dear to me.

I will be happy to pick up any donations you have. Pm me to arrange a meeting or porch pick up.

I do this year round. I keep 8-10 backpacks made up in my car at all times to hand out when I come across someone in need.

In addition to supplies you could also contribute financially. I accept Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, or Facebook Pay. You could also mail in a check.

Check out my interview about this project at this link:

Recurring WVLT News recording

08/19/2023

East Tennessee woman gives back to the homeless community.

Creator of Knox County Red Book of Resources asking for donations, helps give resources to homeless.

By Jared Austin

Published: Aug. 18, 2023 at 8:31 AM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - An East Tennessee woman is giving back to Knox County’s homeless population by providing backpacks full of resources. Cheryl Sutton, the creator of Knox County Red Book of Resources, puts different non-perishable foods, hygiene products and other necessities in the bags for homeless people.

“I’ve had family members that have had addiction issues and have been homeless at times, so it would mean a lot to me if someone would have given them some food, toiletries or a toothbrush. That would mean a lot to me,” Sutton said.

Sutton has asked people in the community to donate some non-perishable foods and bottles of water to her cause. She said it is what she needs the most before putting the backpacks together Sunday. She also wants to stress providing harm reduction resources and Narcan.

“The generous people in the community have been donating supplies and some people send money for me to buy the supplies myself to make the backpacks up,” Sutton said. She said Narcan helped save her son’s life when he overdosed, and she wants to continue protecting those who need it.

It’s not winter time yet, but Sutton would also like some winter gear to help provide for homeless people before it gets cold.

“The socks, gloves and hats don’t have to be new. They can be gently used; that’s fine too. The people that you give the backpacks to are pretty much just grateful for whatever they can get,” Sutton said.

She’s also working to make her organization, Knox County Red Book of Resources, a non-profit by the end of the year. Anyone who would like to donate supplies can find more information on her cause by emailing: [email protected]

Creator of Knox County Red Book of Resources asking for donations, helps give resources to homeless

08/13/2023

Video about my backpacks for the homeless project. Please watch. Thanks!

07/26/2023

https://www.wvlt.tv/video/2023/05/05/knox-county-red-book-resources/

Recurring WVLT News recording

07/26/2023

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/outreach/knox-county-red-book-of-resources-project/51-0bc3b229-1ed3-4d82-a3d6-61511f979ba2

The Knox County Red Book of Resources has been the pet project of a Corryton woman for the last 3 years.

07/26/2023

https://www.wate.com/video/knox-county-red-book-of-resources/7863912/

Living East Tennessee