Appalachian Helping Hands

BY Appalachian Helping Hands

Appalachian Helping Hands (AHH) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, interdenominational ministry of congregations in the Greene and Cocke County areas of East Tennessee founded to address poverty and economic difficulties in Appalachia. Matthew 25: 35-36 "For I was hungry and you gave me food...I was naked and you gave me clothing." The Appalachian Helping Hands symbol of the cross coming out of the heart represents Christ's love for us, and the hands represent our love and joy in serving others through Christ. AHH is located at the St. James Community Center across from St. James Lutheran Church and is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00 am - noon or in case of emergencies such as a house fire, tornado etc. Anyone needing a helping hand can receive services at AHH once a month. No one is turned away and there is never a charge for anything at AHH. AHH is a clothes closet which offers quality clothing, household items, cleaning supplies and toiletries. Jacob's Well Soup Kitchen is open 1st Thursdays & 1st Saturdays 10:30 am - noon offering a free meal to those in the community and AHH participants in the dining hall. On 4th Thursdays there is a food distribution through 2nd Harvest of East Tennessee from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at AHH. Participants at AHH receive extra services throughout the year including an Easter basket distribution, refurbished bicycles for kids, health kits, backpacks full of school supplies, special food distributions etc. A yearly highlight at AHH is the Christmas Room in November and December where participants get free of charge Christmas gifts, new winter clothing, toys, decorations etc. of their choice.