KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — McGhee Tyson Airport is bringing back an annual program meant to help raise awareness for nonprofits across East Tennessee over the holidays. It's named "ChariTrees," and as part of the program, travelers can spot different Christmas trees decorating the airport during the holidays.
Through ChariTrees, nonprofits have the opportunity to decorate trees that show off the work they do and describe their missions in the community. Travelers heading home for the holidays can peruse any of the trees to learn about the work nonprofits do in their community.
"This is one of my favorite programs that I get to help with here at McGhee Tyson Airport because it helps us spread the good cheer and the good works that the nonprofits do in our community every day," said Caitlin Darras, who works with the McGhee Tyson Airport.
A list of the different organizations represented in the program is available below.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee: Works to provide one-on-one mentoring relationships between children and community members to help children in need develop skills while also promoting the social and emotional well-being of children in East Tennessee.
- Blue and Gold Star Mothers: Supports the families of military members, especially those who lost servicemembers and veterans.
- Boys and Girls Club of Blount County: The Boys & Girls Club of Blount County began providing services to children in our community in 1958. They now serve nearly 700 youth annually at their Blount County Club.
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Libary — Maryville Kiwanis Club: Provides children with free age-appropriate books to promote reading and help foster a love of reading among children.
- Junior Achievement of East Tennessee: Promotes young people to succeed in the global economy. Initiatives include inventing in start-up funding for a student-run company or helping young people learn more about finances.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee: Provides meals to food pantries across East Tennessee, and helps address food insecurity in the area.
- STAR - Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding: Uses horse-related activities to provide therapeutic experiences for people with disabilities.
- The Dream Connection: Fulfills the dreams of children between 3 years old and 18 years old who are diagnosed with life-threatening or chronic illnesses in East Tennessee.