Justice & Generosity Spring 2026 Update: Knox Pride Needs

Each quarter, we focus our collective efforts on a different nonprofit partner doing meaningful work in our community, and this quarter's partner is Knox Pride, a vital hub for LGBTQ+ support, advocacy and belonging. Contributions help ensure that queer and trans people in Knoxville have safe, affirming spaces to gather and thrive.

Drew Coffey, Westside's Head of Membership & Programs, recently spoke with John Camp, Knox Pride's Executive Director, to understand how Westside can best be of help to Knox Pride at this time. Mr. Camp's immediate answer was, "Food, food, food," sharing that the organization provides over 300 free meals to people in need every day, and that number has tripled from what it was last year.

Additionally, that number doesn't include the 45 local homeless who live near Knox Pride's location off Chapman Highway. The organization obtains food donations from places like Kroger, Potchke's and the Community Action Committee, among other organizations, as well as Amazon Wishlist food donations through their website under the DONATE tab.

When asked specifically what foods Knox Pride needs, Mr. Camp requested the following:

- Canned foods

- Ready-to-eat foods

- Easy-prep foods

Donation drop offs and pick-ups take place Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm, and arrangements for donation drop offs before 11am can be made with Mr. Camp by contacting him at john@knoxpride.com or info@knoxpride.com.

Your willingness to stay engaged with programs like this mean a great deal, and contributing even one percent of what you can provide is more than enough. Westside's work is strongest when we move together.