Tennessee
Making a difference: Volunteer opportunities in West Tennessee – WBBJ TV
JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State, and for good reason, as so many get involved in their communities and lend a helping hand.
If you’re looking for a way to give back we have some opportunities for you!
There are many organizations and non-profits benefiting local residents of West Tennessee and so many do it by partnering with members of our community.
Whether it is helping to build a home for an individual who meets the requirements of Habitat For Humanity or becoming a read team coach with United Way, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone.
For those that enjoy investing into the next generation, the Boys and Girls Club located in Humboldt has a variety of ways that locals can volunteer.
“Our Power Hour program, which is our tutoring program, and in that program we assist our kids with, you know, their homework. We have a great partnership with the school system in which they bring in some of their teachers and some of the community leaders in and assist our kids with their homework,” said Gladys Robinson, director for the Boys and Girls Club in Humboldt.
If you enjoy the arts or sports, and sharing your passion, there are other options that may peak your interest, such as ballet, tennis, cooking, theater and many more.
Robinson expressed a need in each area, so that the kids will have the greater opportunities to learn new skills and passions.
Robinson also shared how one helper was impacted by his time of volunteering.
“One of the things that he loves when he comes in, is he just loves to see how the kids changes from day to day. He said that he enjoys that he did that when he was in another state and so he wanted to do it here. And we have seen improvement in those kids that he has mentored,” said Robinson.
And another way to help local children is by packing the bus with RIFA.
Volunteers are needed in Jackson to help with loading donated groceries on to the bus, handing out the donated items list to donors and unpacking the bus at RIFA.
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community, meeting new people and leaving a lasting impact.
RIFA’s Pack the Bus will be August 3, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
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The History of Earth Day
A comprehensive look at the evolution of Earth Day from its 1970 origins to a global environmental movement.
Earth Day, the annual event which promotes environmental protection and awareness, is this week.
Celebrating its 56th year, this year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” which stresses the importance of communities, educators, workers and families working together toward environmental progress.
“‘Our Power, Our Planet’ is not a political statement. It is a commitment to stewardship, resilience, and shared accountability — a call for every individual, community, and sector to exercise their power in service of the planet we all depend on,” reads the 2026 manifesto.
To celebrate Earth Day 2026, the Tennessee State Parks system will be offering educational, recreational and volunteer events across the state.
Here’s what to know.
When is Earth Day 2026?
Earth Day is April 22.
According to Earthday.org, the movement’s founders — inspired by the student anti‑war protests of the 1960s and 1970s — chose a weekday falling between Spring Break and final exams to maximize the greatest student participation.
Why is Earth Day celebrated?
The history of Earth Day dates back to 1962 with Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestselling book, “Silent Spring” which raised awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the links between pollution and public health.
U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, was concerned about worsening environmental conditions and galvanized by the massive 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara. He launched the idea that would become Earth Day.
Nelson partnered with Republican U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes to organize nationwide teach‑ins on April 22, expanding the effort beyond college campuses and rebranding it as Earth Day, an event that quickly gained national media attention and widespread public participation.
Tennessee State Parks system celebrates Earth Day 2026
Here’s a look at events planned by region, happening on and around April 22.
West Tennessee
Middle Tennessee
East Tennessee:
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Big hearts, small hands! Tennessee kids are stepping up to make a big difference this summer.
First Lady Maria Lee on Tuesday announced the eighth annual Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge, encouraging young students to dedicate part of their summer to helping others.
The program, part of the Tennessee Serves initiative, runs from June 1 through Aug. 1 and is open to rising kindergarteners through rising sixth graders across the state.
Participants must complete at least two hours of service across two of eight designated categories to finish the challenge, with top participants earning an invitation to a September carnival at the Tennessee Residence.
Since its launch in 2019, more than 3,500 children have contributed over 15,000 hours of service through activities ranging from park cleanups to assisting nursing homes and raising funds for disaster relief.
Registration opened Tuesday, with parents and guardians able to sign up participants and access additional details through the First Lady’s official website.
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