Tennessee is known for its volunteer spirit, and there are numerous ways to give and to serve our community in Rutherford County.

Many want to donate used items to a worthy cause, but are not sure where to take it, or who may need it.

These are just some of the organizations helping people in the Murfreesboro area, and a few of the ways those wanting to get involved can become a part of their mission.
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1. Greenhouse Ministries helps people meet immediate needs such as food, clothing and toiletries. The ministry provides long-term help by educating and connecting people. They offer classes including, and not limited to, computer skills, anger management, parenting, sewing and professional development. Other resources include job and housing opportunities and connecting clients with other local nonprofit partners.

Volunteer opportunities exist for individuals and groups on a regular or occasional basis within multiple areas of the ministry. Greenhouse also accepts financial donations as well as donations of food, clothing, toiletries, large appliances, bicycles and household goods.

Greenhouse Ministries is located at 309 S. Church St., Murfreesboro. For assistance, to schedule a tour, for information or to volunteer, call 615-494-0499 or visit greenhousemin.org.

Greenhouse Ministries also has an upscale consignment shop. It is located at 309 S. Spring St.

Sales benefit Greenhouse Ministries and the shop is open Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. for donations and shopping.
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2. The Salvation Army helps the homeless with food, clothing, shelter and job placement. The Salvation Army is located at 1137 W. Main St., Murfreesboro.

For assistance or information, call 615-895-7071 or visit salvationarmymurfreesboro.org.
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3. Salvation Army Center of Hope offers long-term supportive housing programs and life skills training to help people move from crisis to independent lives. The program provides safe housing and intensive case management for single men, women and families who are experiencing homelessness or who are victims of abuse and neglect. They attempt to keep families connected, housing entire families, no matter the makeup.

The goal of the program is to assist those experiencing homelessness in gaining employment and the personal skills necessary to achieve financial and personal stability enabling a move to permanent housing. Those wanting to donate work boots can give them to the Salvation Army’s work program.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, call 615-895-7071 or visit salvationarmymurfreesboro.org.
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4. Steered Straight Thrift Store is a nonprofit organization providing educational programs and materials to youth, families and communities across the country and around the world. Donations and support through your purchases help educate youth on choices and consequences of drugs, bullying, suicide and other difficult topics. All proceeds from the thrift store benefit youth education programs.

The thrift store accepts donations of clothing, shoes, household items, sporting goods, books, small appliances and collectables. For those who have leftovers after a yard sale or garage sale, or need to get rid of some items before moving, Steered Straight will come and pick up donations.

Steered Straight is a secular organization and not affiliated with any other organizations. The thrift store is located at 845 Middle Tennessee Blvd., Ste. C. It is open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sundays, 12–5 p.m.

Additionally, Steered Straight Too, 903 Mercury Blvd., focuses primarily on large furniture items, for those willing to donate couches, chairs, tables and other furniture pieces.

For more information, visit steeredstraight.org or call 856-691-6676.
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5. The Domestic Violence Program in Murfreesboro helps with legal advocacy, emergency shelter, children’s services, assistance after sexual assault or elder abuse, hospital accompaniment and counseling. The program has a 24-hour call center.

For assistance, information or to donate, call 615-896-2012.
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6. Last Call 4 Grace is a faith-based program that serves disadvantaged people with food, clothing, shelter and other needs. Most of their work is done on the streets and food is also prepared by volunteers.

They accept donations of clothing, blankets and coats as well as some food for preparation.

For assistance, information or to donate, call 615-900-1786 or visit lastcall4grace.org.
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7. The Way of Hope’s mission is for every homeless woman and child in Murfreesboro to have a comfortable and safe place to sleep. It is an emergency overflow shelter program, with locations that vary from night to night in different churches throughout the community. The churches and their volunteers provide the safe place to sleep, a good meal, breakfast and sometimes a sack lunch.

Opportunities to serve offsite include fundraising, event volunteering, food box delivery, furniture delivery, and van and bus drivers.

Donation needs include paper products, plastic cutlery, laundry supplies, office supplies, personal care items, cleaning supplies and rolling suitcases.

To volunteer, call 615-653-8027, and for more information on this program, visit opendoorsofhope.org.
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8. Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency provides assistance with rent, utilities and bills.

Located at 412 E. Vine St. in Murfreesboro, the agency helps those with low incomes by providing home energy assistance, nutrition programs and home weatherization assistance. The agency has elderly, disabled and veterans service programs; a case management program; and an emergency services program.

For assistance or to make a donation to the agency, contact Debra Holmes at 615-742-1113. For more information, visit midcumberland.org.
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9. The Journey Home helps the homeless and others in need with a community cafe with sit-down, restaurant-style dining room. Journey Home is open for meals (excluding breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays). They also help with clothes, laundry service, shower facilities and day services.

The Journey Home is located at 308 W. Castle St. For assistance, information or to volunteer, call 615-809-2644 or visit lovegodservepeople.org.
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10. Portico is a pregnancy care center serving local women and their families. Portico consultations and assistance are available to women and the men in their lives.

Confidential, cost-free services offered by Portico include adoption agency referrals, adoption education, medical referrals, pregnancy options education, abortion education, pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, STD/STI education and ultrasound to determine pregnancy.

Education and support include the Earn While Your Learn Program, maternity and infant supplies, a mom and dad group, men’s support, one-on-one budgeting education, a teen mom group and post-abortion support.

Spanish speaking assistance is available.

Portico’s mobile unit has a free consultation, pregnancy test and ultrasound exam to confirm pregnancy and is regularly parked in Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Nashville.

Donation needs are for the Baby Bottle Campaign as well as new and used items for the Baby Boutique such as car seats, clothing and other baby gear. Portico accepts one-time and monthly financial donations and is also assisted through Amazon Smile and Kroger Rewards.

Portico has an informational meeting on the second Tuesday of every other month, offering an opportunity to learn more about the organization and find out how to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities range from being a community or client advocate to hosting a baby shower.

Portico has an office at 745 S. Church St., Ste. 801, Murfreesboro.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, call 615-893-0228, or visit porticostory.org.
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11. Operation Saving Life is a ministry of people who serve as sidewalk counselors working to meet the needs of people who have faced abortion and chosen life. They work directly on the front lines at abortion clinics to share the gospel and help people make the decision to choose life.

Operation Saving Life helps mothers-to-be build life skills and assists with practical needs while discipling.

Volunteers can host events like baby showers and informational dinners or coffee breaks. Monetary donations for tangible resources and some donations of new baby items are also accepted.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, visit operationsavinglife.org or email engage@operationsavinglife.org.
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12. Journeys in Community Living supports adults with disabilities in Rutherford County in choosing and realizing their visions of where and how they live, work and socialize.

They need volunteer help from individuals or companies to complete outdoor improvements (structural and landscaping). Journeys also accepts financial donations.

Journeys is supported in part by the United Way so they are helped by donations to the United Way and are also supported through Amazon Smile and Kroger Rewards.

For information or to volunteer, call 615-890-4389 or visit journeystn.org.
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13. Isaiah 117 House provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care.

In Rutherford County, Isaiah 117 House hosts fundraiser events to spread awareness and raise money to construct a house to care for foster children in the community. These events include lemonade stands, food truck fests, golf tournaments and more.

For information and to donate or volunteer, contact AlLee Dauenhauer at 423-518-3760 ext. 618 or allee@isaiah117house.com. Also, visit Isaiah 117 House Rutherford Co TN on Facebook and isaiah117house.com.
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14. Right Road Ministries in La Vergne works to assist the homeless, as well as men and women with life-controlling issues. They aim to let this population know they are not alone and that there are people willing to stand with them and encourage them through the hard times. Elements of acceptance, affirmation, honesty, transparency, industry and accountability are included in their approach. They assist with life skills to help individuals gain employment, move back into mainstream society and reproduce in others what they have learned.

Volunteers can serve as mentors. Donations of cleaning supplies and toiletries are also needed.

For assistance, more information or to volunteer, contact Renee Beecham at 615-853-4851 or renee.beecham@aol.com. Also visit Right Road Ministries on Facebook.
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15. Amelia’s Closet provides professional apparel and hope to women who are re-entering the workforce by providing interview outfits, tips, makeovers and wardrobes.

They provide a safe environment for adults experiencing employment obstacles to learn skills and gain experience for long-term employment.

Amelia’s Closet is open by appointment only.

For information, to shop or to volunteer, call 615-584-9029 or visit ameliascloset.org.
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16. Liberty’s Station is a progressive workforce pipeline where 90 percent of the employees have intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities or other employment barriers. Employees are assessed, trained and given opportunities to gain work experience to help them confidently acquire long-term employment.

For information or to volunteer, call 615-584-9029 or visit libertysstation.org.
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17. The Sweet Addiction works with local agencies to employ women who have been incarcerated, have been victims of human trafficking or victims of domestic violence. Some of these women may also be considered “not employable” due to background.

The Sweet Addiction accepts financial donations on its website to purchase coats, hats, scarves, long underwear, sweaters, heaters, propane, blankets, bedding and food.

Donations of fabric, elastic and thread are also needed and the organization also needs volunteer seamstresses.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, call 615-580-8001, email info@thesweetaddiction.com and visit thesweetaddiction.com.
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18. Nourish Food Bank exists to feed the community and nourish local families through compassionate service and a network of care. Nourish Food Bank has been working to end hunger for nearly 40 years, initially as the Smyrna-La Vergne Food Bank and now with additional networks in Murfreesboro and the Glencliff neighborhood of Nashville.

Each client receives a grocery cart full of food consisting of items such as milk, eggs, bread, meat, cheese, baby food and diapers, canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries and snacks, as well as personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste and sanitary products.

Nourish always needs volunteers to pack carts with items, assist with deliveries and to sort, stock, organize and transport items within the distribution centers.

For more information about getting involved, visit nourishfoodbanks.org or call 615-355-0697.