Faith in Action: One-Day Outreach Serves Local Community
- Terri Carter
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Putting aside differences in denomination and doctrine, local churches and volunteers united last Saturday with a shared purpose—to serve the community with compassion and generosity. Through this heartfelt initiative, Franklin County residents were offered a variety of free services, all aimed at uplifting those in need and strengthening the bonds of fellowship. It was a day defined not by banners or affiliations but by kindness, unity, and a collective commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Starting out as a small dream from the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Southern Tennessee, the medical professionals had the idea to donate their services to community members for one day, for free. Taking the idea to the next level, the professionals met with community leaders in December 2013 and officially held their first community outreach day in May 2014.
Since its humble beginnings in 2014, the outreach day has flourished into something far greater than its founders ever envisioned. What started as a small group of dedicated volunteers with a passion for service has grown into a large-scale operation, reaching more people and making a deeper impact year after year. With each event, the footprint of generosity expands, touching more lives, strengthening the community, and reinforcing the power of unity and compassion. What was once a simple act of kindness has become an enduring force for good.
Services offered during this dream-turned-reality event included medical and dental screenings, dental extractions, and the newly added service of dental hygiene cleanings, which was added to the list of services just this year. Vision screenings were provided by the Lion’s Club, and community members were also able to receive haircuts, family photos, and sack lunches.
Going above just these services, First Baptist Church of Winchester partnered with Second Harvest to provide a food giveaway, and Nissan generously assisted with providing a trailer full of food, along with volunteers to work throughout the day.
Clothes from the previous Marketplace Consignment Sale were graciously donated to be distributed to those in need and various nonprofits from Franklin County and beyond were set up to assist in any way possible.
On average each year, the event serves 200-250 families, equating to approximately 750-900 people.
While volunteer work naturally brings a deep sense of fulfillment and community, those serving on the outreach board shared that one of the greatest blessings is witnessing God’s hand at work—not just throughout the day’s efforts, but across various ministries. Seeing lives touched, needs met, and hearts uplifted serves as a powerful reminder of the greater purpose behind the cause.
“It’s amazing to see how God has worked in it through the years.”, stated volunteer board member M.C. Luttrell. “The woman who does our family photography wanted to donate her services for the day. Her starting with one day has actually grown her into a ministry that she now has. She works with Life Choices and other organizations and does family photos and newborn photos, and she has grown into her own photography ministry. Those stories that are involved in it make it so cool to see how God has worked.”
The One Day Community Outreach Event was a true reflection of the spirit of Franklin County—a day overflowing with generosity, compassion, and unity. With a shared purpose of helping others, the event once again proved to be a resounding success, leaving both residents and volunteers with a renewed sense of connection, solidarity, and grace. It was more than just a day of service; it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with kindness at its core.
