Tennessee is called ‘The Volunteer State’ with good reason. Charities are abundant, and Wilson County has its fair share of them. I believe that most people want to help. This season, for the most part, tends to bring out the best in everyone. While it’s true that the Christmas charities do need gifts for the kids, other charities could use some extra help. Here are just a few of my favorites and some items that they each need help with on a regular basis.

New Leash On Life is an animal welfare nonprofit. They help with dogs and cats by providing an animal shelter, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic, and a pet food assistance program. In the adoption center, its longest-running program, they average about 700 dogs and cats.

The JOY Clinic provides spay and neuter for any dog or cat. There is no address or income restriction, they fix over four thousand animals per year. The Paw Pantry is a food pantry for needy pets. They provide pet owners with pet food once a month as needed. New Leash On Life’s biggest need currently is liquid laundry detergent, paper towels, and dry cat food. For more visit www.newleashonline.org

Vine Branch Fellowship was established by Alex & Shené Scott due to a strong desire to do more and share what they had learned through their personal life changes. VBF was created to focus on fellowship, charitable giving, engaging in volunteer opportunities, entrepreneurial education, promoting healthy lifestyles, religious education, and educational programs in the local and surrounding communities it resides.

They have programs that are designed to equip individuals, families, seniors, and low-income groups with the tools to create healthier food options and provide meals to uplift those that are going through difficult times; combating the growing concerns of diabetes, celiac disease, obesity, depression, and other chronic health illnesses.

These programs include HEAT (Healthy Eating at the Table) Gardening, HEAT Nutrition, and SMILES.

This nonprofit strives to connect the “Vine” of resources in communities to a “Branch” of individuals in need of assistance through “Fellowship” opportunities.

Wilson County CASA trains volunteers to be court advocates for children that have been abused or neglected. Training is available online now. You are able to work at your own pace. Once you are trained you will be sworn in by Judge Barry Tatum.

The three main responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are
(1) To serve as a fact-finder for the judge by researching the background of the case; (2) Speak for the child in the courtroom, representing the child’s wishes and best interest; and (3) Continue to act as a monitor for the child during the life of the case, ensuring that it is brought to a swift and appropriate conclusion.

For more information, call 615-443-2002.
Or email – csweeney@wilsoncountycasa.org

Wilson Rides is changing the face of aging in Wilson County by providing services that reduce isolation and support the active lifestyles of our older adults. Wilson Rides helps to preserve the quality of life while fostering a connected community for older adults by providing safe transportation to local destinations.

Since giving its first ride at the end of May of 2021, Wilson Rides has signed up 41 Senior Riders as well as 21 Volunteer Drivers. Year to date, Wilson Rides has completed 294 trips, driven 4,126 miles and volunteer drivers have given 228 hours of their time.

Wilson Rides has just scratched the surface of the number of rides that are needed by seniors 55+ in Wilson County, TN.

For more information, visit www.wilsonridesinc.org or call 615-622-5557 and follow on social @WilsonRidesInc.