Through these wise giving tips, you can treat every day like Christmas morning, give generously, and have a life-changing impact on a neighbor in need through your favorite charitable organization.

In the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” the main character − Ebenezer Scrooge − was a miser who hated Christmas. A visit from three spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come led to Scrooge’s rebirth on Christmas morning, transforming him into a kinder, gentler man.

Unlike Scrooge, Tennesseans don’t need a visit from three spirits to remind them about the true meaning of the season.

National data suggests we are some of the most generous givers to charitable causes in the nation. This distinction comes with a warning − beware of those with bad intentions who would rather operate like cold-hearted misers, exploiting the goodwill and generosity of others.

Pay close attention to the charities to which you donate

Our office strives to help identify these Scrooges through a series of wise giving tips. The goal is to inform and educate consumers to ensure those deciding to give to one of the more than 11,000 active charitable organizations in Tennessee can have the greatest impact with their donation.

Tennesseans should do their research and ensure an entity is registered with the state through our website: https://sos.tn.gov/charities.

They should also say “Bah Humbug!”  to anyone pressuring them to give on the spot, ask questions about an organization’s mission, and determine who might benefit from a donation, and how much of their gift will support an individual or cause.

If you donate through an app or website, make sure all personal information provided as part of the process goes directly to the organization receiving your donation.

Opinion: Tennessee voters should avoid disinformation and rely on trusted information

Ask whether your contribution is tax-deductible and consider using a check or credit card for record-keeping purposes, instead of giving cash.

Lastly, pay close attention to the name of a nonprofit organization. Sometimes these entities have similar names, but that doesn’t mean they are associates − like Jacob Marley and Scrooge.

Tennessee can investigate and pursue violations of the law

Remember, the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations has the authority to investigate and impose civil penalties against groups that violate the Tennessee Charitable Solicitations Act.

If you have questions or concerns, or you think an entity is not operating in good faith, contact us at 615-741-2555.

Through these wise giving tips, you can treat every day like Christmas morning, give generously, and have a life-changing impact on a neighbor in need through your favorite charitable organization.

From all of us in the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office, we wish you a joyful holiday season, and to quote the most famous line from “A Christmas Carol” and the character Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone!”

Tre Hargett was elected by the Tennessee General Assembly to serve as the 37th secretary of state in 2009; he has been re-elected to this position in 2013, 2017, and 2021.

Tennessee got good news in the College Football Playoff picture and on national signing day this week.

But it’s hoping for much better news on both fronts in the coming days. Penn State losing and David Sanders signing could help with that.

On this week’s podcast episode of “The Volunteer State,” UT beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams break down the Vols’ final scenarios in the playoff, including who they’ll play and where. And they look back on the win over Vanderbilt that earned UT’s way into the 12-team bracket.

Plus, a review of signing day raises some big questions. Will Sanders, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2025 class, sign with the Vols? And what’s the future hold for blue-chip quarterback George MacIntyre?

To hear the full discussion, listen to the podcast. But here are a few highlights.

Will David Sanders sign? Will George MacIntyre start after Nico?

If Sanders signs with Tennessee, as expected, he should compete to play immediately. If something goes awry in his signing, it would be a major loss to the Vols, and their only consolation would be a bigger budget to spend NIL money on transfers.

Nevertheless, UT needs to sign Sanders sooner than later.

VOLS SIGNING CLASS Tennessee signs QB George MacIntyre, waits on 5-star David Sanders

As for MacIntyre, Sparks believes he’ll follow the path of other highly-rated quarterbacks under Heupel. He’ll eventually earn the starting job or transfer elsewhere. Tayven Jackson, Nico Iamaleava and Jake Merklinger have faced that same situation.

Could Penn State fall in CFP and play Tennessee?

Tennessee’s last hope of hosting a College Football Playoff game depends on a blowout in the SEC or Big Ten title games.

But even if those blowout losses occurred, the CFP selection committee might not drop the losing teams behind Tennessee in the rankings. There’s probably a greater chance that a championship game loser falls in the rankings but only changes Tennessee’s opponent.

No. 2 Texas (11-1) plays No. 5 Georgia (10-2) in the SEC championship game on Saturday (4 p.m. ET, ABC). No. 1 Oregon (12-0) plays No. 3 Penn State (11-1) in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday (8 p.m., CBS).

Adams thinks the likely scenario is that Tennessee plays Penn State in the first round. Adams and Sparks discussed the likelihood of other scenarios.

Have Vols turned the corner just in time for playoff run?

Iamaleava played his best SEC game in the Vols’ 36-23 win over Vanderbilt.

Does that mean he’s turned a corner? Maybe.

Sparks said Iamaleava has gained confidence and comfort in the offense, and he’s playing at a higher level. But UT fans should be cautiously optimistic, keeping in mind Vanderbilt’s pass rush was almost nonexistent against Iamaleava.

Sparks and Adams believe Tennessee can win at Ohio State or Penn State or certainly against either team at Neyland Stadium, if it got a home game. But the matchup won’t be easy. Both Big Ten teams tout a strong defense.

Again, to hear the full discussion, listen to this episode of “The Volunteer State.”

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – While people across East Tennessee and Western North Carolina await financial assistance from the federal government, some are finding help from an unlikely source.

Brian Minton, a farmer in Dandridge, has already been making trips to North Carolina over the last few months helping flood victims and assisting in any way he can. Since he started making trips to badly impacted areas, he’s gotten help from others on social media.

“Hands on the ground, boots on the ground, that’s what we’re about,” said Minton.

Minton crossed paths with Sandy Pearl on Facebook, who is a farmer from Indiana who has also been posting pictures and videos from the aftermath of the storm. Her account has garnered a lot of attention, and others have reached out to help.

Minton and Pearl have had eight people reach out and donate their RVs and campers to go to people in North Carolina who are still without a home.

“I’d much rather have them in this RV because when it’s snowing, that tent can collapse,” said Minton.

These campers and RVs have been donated from Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Alabama, so far. Although they typically would sell for about $30,000 a piece, they were all donated for free from people who heard about Minton and Pearl helping and wanted to join.

“We joke around about being the cowboy crusaders because that’s what we are. We’re just good old folks who live on a farm and know how to help these people. We just don’t have the resources that our government does,” said Pearl.

Minton and Pearl plan to deliver a camper to Burnsville, North Carolina Thursday morning.

According to Pearl, all of the RVs and campers will go to people who aren’t eligible for FEMA relief.

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