Wise Gives: So Many Ways to Give Back to Our Community

There is something special about a community that takes care of its own.

Every year, people, businesses, churches, nonprofits and volunteers across Wise County come together through Wise Gives, an annual charitable event designed to connect local families with free goods, services and resources during the holiday season.

But Wise Gives is about more than a single day. It is an opportunity for everyone in our community to ask a simple question: “How can I help?”

And the answer is there are many ways. The 2026 event is set for Saturday, December 5 on Medical Center Drive in Decatur, in the parking lot between Fit-N-Wise and Medical City Hospital.

What Is Wise Gives?

Wise Gives is an annual, free community event created to give back to Wise County families during the holidays. The event was established through a partnership involving the local hospital and Acts4Others and brings together community organizations, volunteers and sponsors to address basic needs such as food, healthcare and other essential resources.

The goal is simple: help make the holidays a little easier for local families while connecting people with resources that can make a difference long after the event is over.

Previous Wise Gives events have included food, household items, blankets and coats, health screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, laboratory services, social-service information and other assistance. Community organizations also provide information about resources available throughout Wise County.

You Don't Have to Be Rich to Give

One of the best things about Wise Gives is that there is a place for everyone to participate.

You don't have to write a large check. You don't have to own a business. You don't even have to have a lot of free time.

Here are some of the ways you can help.

1. Make a Financial Donation

A monetary contribution can go a long way toward helping Wise County families.

According to Wise Gives, financial donations are used to purchase necessities such as food, toiletries and other items for families who need a little extra help during the holiday season.

Whether it is $10, $50, $100 or more, every contribution can become something tangible that a neighbor can use.

2. Shop the Wise Gives Amazon Wish List

Don't want to make a cash donation? You can still shop for Wise County families.

Wise Gives maintains an Amazon Wish List that allows supporters to purchase needed items directly. It is an easy option for people who want to give but prefer choosing a specific item.

Think of it as adding one more item to your Christmas shopping list—except this gift goes to someone in your own community.

3. Volunteer Your Time

Your time may be one of the most valuable things you can give.

Wise Gives welcomes both individual volunteers and volunteer groups.

Businesses can organize an employee volunteer team. Churches can bring a group. Civic organizations can participate together. Families can volunteer as a way to teach children the importance of serving others.

Sometimes the greatest gift isn't something you buy. It's simply showing up.

4. Become a Sponsor

Local businesses and organizations can participate at another level by becoming Wise Gives sponsors.

Sponsors help provide the financial support and resources necessary to make the event possible. Wise Gives specifically identifies sponsors and volunteers as the foundation of the event and invites businesses and organizations interested in partnering with Wise Gives to get involved.

For local businesses, sponsorship is also an opportunity to demonstrate something more important than advertising:

You care about the community where you live and work.

5. Partner as a Community Organization

Wise Gives brings together organizations that can provide services, information and resources to families.

Community organizations can partner with Wise Gives to help connect residents with assistance they may not know exists.

The Wise Gives website currently provides a wide-ranging resource directory that includes food pantries, counseling and grief support, healthcare and insurance resources, transportation, childcare resources, veterans' services, developmental screenings, free vaccinations and many other community resources.

For nonprofits and service organizations, participating can be a powerful way to make sure families know where to turn when they need help.

6. Donate Needed Items

Giving doesn't always have to involve money.

Needed goods can help provide families with practical necessities during the holidays. Wise Gives has historically collected and distributed items such as food, toiletries, blankets, coats and other household necessities.

A business might organize a collection drive. A church might collect toiletries. A school might conduct a food drive. A civic club might collect blankets.

One person's “extra” can become another family's much-needed blessing.

7. Bring Your Organization Together

Wise Gives is also a great opportunity for organizations to turn giving into a team effort.

Imagine a local business challenging its employees to fill a collection box.

Imagine a church collecting toiletries for several weeks.

Imagine a school challenging students to collect food.

Imagine a civic organization sponsoring a family-centered service project.

When an entire organization gets involved, the impact multiplies.

And There Is Another Way to Participate: Receive Help

Wise Gives isn't just for people who want to give.

It is also for people who need a little help.

The annual event is free and open to the community. Its purpose is to make goods, services and resources available to local families during the holidays.

There is no shame in accepting help.

Communities are strongest when people are willing to give when they can—and willing to receive when they need it.

The Bigger Picture

Perhaps the most important thing about Wise Gives is that it reminds us that community doesn't happen by accident.

It happens when a business owner decides to sponsor an event.

It happens when a retiree volunteers for a few hours.

It happens when a family buys an item from a wish list.

It happens when a church collects toiletries.

It happens when a nonprofit shares information about its services.

It happens when someone sees a neighbor struggling and asks, “What can I do?”

That is what Wise Gives represents.

It is neighbors helping neighbors.

It is businesses investing in the community.

It is nonprofits working together instead of working alone.

And it is a reminder that every one of us has something to give.

Find Your Way to Give

There is no single “right” way to participate in Wise Gives.

Give money. Give an item. Give your time. Give your business's resources. Give your organization's support. Give information. Give encouragement. Or simply show up and serve.

Whatever you have to give, there is likely a place for you.

To learn more about Wise Gives, volunteer, donate, shop the Amazon Wish List or explore partnership opportunities, visit Wise Gives.

Because when Wise County gives together, Wise County gets stronger together.