Helping Hands Food Pantry in Knoxville is seeking donations for their annual holiday food distributions.

In the past, the pantry used to give out turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas as part of their holiday baskets, but this year the local food pantry is making a change and they will be giving out grocery store gift cards, so recipients can pick out the items they want for the holiday and any additional food items that may best serve their family. Along with the gift card distribution, recipients will also receive their choices of traditional holiday foods such as stuffing and cranberry sauce. 

These distributions are not possible without the support of the community and the pantry is accepting monetary donations to help purchase gift cards, but they are also accepting donations of gravy mix, potato mix, stuffing mix, and cranberry sauce. The pantry is also still encouraging donations of cereal or canned fruits and vegetables. 

Recipients of the distribution will be able to choose between either a pre-Thanksgiving or pre-Christmas pick up. The Thanksgiving sign-up deadline is November 17th and the distribution will be November 19th, 21st, 24th, and 26th. The Christmas sign-up deadline is December 15th and distribution will be December 17th, 19th, and 22nd. 

Those who  would like to make a donation to Helping Hands can stop by 110 W Main St. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.