MURFREESBORO, TN — What began nearly 26 years ago with a modest goal of 50 turkeys has grown into a holiday tradition. Greenhouse Ministries, co-founded by Cliff and Jane Sharp, has once again blessed families in need with Thanksgiving meals — this year they met their goal and distributed 650 turkeys along with “all the fixin’s.”
While many organizations across Tennessee serve warm meals on Thanksgiving Day, Greenhouse Ministries take a different approach. By providing families with the ingredients to cook at home, the nonprofit offers not only nourishment but also dignity, allowing recipients to gather in their own spaces and share the holiday with loved ones. “Every year, we see lives changed,” said Executive Director Christy Sanford. “It’s more than food — it’s connection, compassion, and community.”
The effort has grown into a massive undertaking. On Friday (11/21/2025), more than 300 volunteers assisted as residents donated turkeys at the S. Academy Street location. By Saturday, over 600 additional volunteers joined in at Greenhouse Ministries, bringing the total close to 1,000 people asking the same question: “What Can I Do to Help?”
Cliff told WGNS…
Cliff Sharp reflected on the growth of the program, noting how far it has come since its humble beginnings. He emphasized that each voucher given to families is more than a ticket to food — it is an invitation to fellowship.
The numbers behind Greenhouse’s outreach are staggering. In 2024 alone, the nonprofit served 9,183 clients, powered by 26,000 volunteer hours and supported by 10,558 donors. These figures highlight the scale of compassion that fuels Greenhouse’s work year-round, not just during the holidays.
As Murfreesboro prepares for Thanksgiving, Greenhouse Ministries stands as a reminder that generosity can multiply over time. What started with 50 turkeys has become a tradition of hope, feeding hundreds of families and strengthening the ties that hold the community together.
