News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund

News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund The 2025 ESF Distribution Day will be on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park. Donations are accepted all year as esfknox.org!

Applications will be available in November through the CAC and volunteer opportunities are open now. When the late Raleigh Harrison, a Knoxville lawyer, and a group of Knoxville citizens proposed a project to feed needy families at Christmas back in 1912, they couldn't have known that their big idea would still be going strong nearly a hundred years later. They only wanted to bring Christmas cheer

and happiness to those less fortunate than themselves, and they sought the help of the Knoxville Sentinel in their campaign for funds. They named their fund-raising effort the Empty Stocking Fund because their goal was to provide for those whose Christmas stockings would otherwise be empty. Their first goal was to feed the hungry. While the need exists year-round, it seems particularly cruel for people, especially families with growing children, to go to sleep on empty stomachs when there are signs of merriment, prosperity and plenty all about. Those early baskets contained a rump roast, some pork and beans, vegetables, fruit and candy. Later, toys that had been repaired were added. In time, the rump roast was replaced by a 3-pound chicken, and more canned goods, produce and staples went into the basket. Empty Stocking Fund recipients now receive a 12-pound turkey, 7-pound ham, cranberry sauce and stuffing mix, and enough staples -- 45 items in all -- to provide for Christmas dinner as well as other meals during the holiday season. Children ages 16 and younger in the household receive a new toy and book. The Empty Stocking Fund has undergone many changes as it has evolved over the years, including not only the content of the basket, and the variety of toys for the kids, but even the baskets themselves. The first receptacles were simple market baskets. Later, bushel baskets were used. In 1979, Jefferson Smurfit, a local company formerly known as Container Corp., began contributing boxes that replaced the baskets altogether. While the content of groceries and toys may have changed, many elements that go into the Empty Stocking fund have remained the same. The applications of prospective recipients have always been routinely checked to be sure of their eligibility and to eliminate duplication of effort with other charitable organizations. The people who apply and their reasons for seeking assistance are basically the same. They exist on very low incomes, usually the result of job layoffs, disability, chronic diseases, or desertion -- or a combination of factors. The people who volunteer to help with basket distribution, and those who give generously year after year, are motivated to give by the stories we share during our annual campaign.

Fun afternoon at Pointbknoxville! A $25 donation earns these race sheets and goodie bag to bet with play money all day!!...
05/02/2026

Fun afternoon at Pointbknoxville! A $25 donation earns these race sheets and goodie bag to bet with play money all day!! These sheets are just the next two. Come by anytime before 7pm and support local charities, include ESF!!

The team at Next Level Brewing Company really knocked it out of the park! We are so appreciative of everything you did t...
04/07/2026

The team at Next Level Brewing Company really knocked it out of the park! We are so appreciative of everything you did this year to help our neighbors in need.

Please stop by their taproom to stay thanks!

Thank you Next Level Brewing Company for supporting the Empty Stocking Fund − and supporting our neighbors during the holidays.

We are so thankful to the leadership team at Weigel's Stores for making a difference for families in need!
02/05/2026

We are so thankful to the leadership team at Weigel's Stores for making a difference for families in need!

The convenience store and gas station chain builds giving back into its business model.

We had an amazing week, thanks to all of you! Distribution Week is like Christmas for us. A special thanks goes out to ...
12/21/2025

We had an amazing week, thanks to all of you! Distribution Week is like Christmas for us.

A special thanks goes out to all the volunteers who made the magic happen. Here's the Bearden JROTC students and their muscles - they moved so many boxes on Friday.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

If your group is volunteering this week, make sure to get your picture under the big sign! It's a tradition we love. Tha...
12/19/2025

If your group is volunteering this week, make sure to get your picture under the big sign! It's a tradition we love.

Thank you to everyone who has helped so far! You all have been incredible 💪

12/16/2025

Wednesday, Dec. 17 is Eggnog Day at the Weigel's Stores in Powell! Pick up a few bottles for the holidays and help our neighbors in need!

A huge thank you goes out to singer Annie Sims, who donated the tips from her set to us on Saturday! Annie performed at ...
12/16/2025

A huge thank you goes out to singer Annie Sims, who donated the tips from her set to us on Saturday! Annie performed at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company during the Christmas market.

If you know Annie, please say thank you!

You have once more chance to see Concord Brass Quintet this Saturday at Schulz Brau from 3:30-6:30 p.m., where Jennifer will collect donations for ESF.

12/11/2025

The annual Empty Stocking Fund tree auction has a special item this year - Nutcracker ballet tickets! Place your bids at 32auctions.com/EmptyStockingFund2025. Every penny goes to ESF.

Our annual auction is LIVE! This gorgeous tree, decorations and two tickets to the Nutcracker ballet at the Tennessee Th...
12/11/2025

Our annual auction is LIVE!

This gorgeous tree, decorations and two tickets to the Nutcracker ballet at the Tennessee Theatre are available to the highest bidder with every penny going to the Empty Stocking Fund! These make great gifts and are an easy solution if you haven't decorated your tree yet this year ❤️

Please share with your friends and feel free to check out the tree in the Knox News lobby before you bid.

Come see the Concord Brass Quintet at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20! The band is genero...
12/11/2025

Come see the Concord Brass Quintet at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20!

The band is generously sharing the spotlight with us and we'll be there to collect donations during the Christmas market! Cheers

Catch the Farragut quintet at Schulz Brau Brewing during the Christkindlesmarkt and make a donation to our nonprofit!

Address

Chilhowee Park, 3301 E Magnolia Avenue
Knoxville, TN
37914

Telephone

+18655242521

Website

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