Gatlinburg donation drive at Murfreesboro Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec 01, 2016 at 05:48 pm by bryan


Murfreesboro Electric Department will be launching its Supporting the Smokies drive to benefit the people of Gatlinburg at Friday night's Christmas tree lighting (12/2/16).

Wiith Gatlinburg officials overwhelmed by the number of emergency supply donations, Murfreesboro Electric would like to encourage Murfreesboro residents to donate household items that affected families will need in their new homes.

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More on the Christmas Tree Lighting:

The Christmas season never truly starts in Rutherford County until the lighting of the county's official Christmas tree in Murfreesboro's Historic Downtown Square. This year's festivities are kicking off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, and Murfreesboro Electric Department is encouraging everyone to bring donations for its Supporting the Smokies drive.

Pigeon Forge officials have asked for a hold on new emergency supply donations due to the overwhelming response around the region. As a result, MED will be collecting non-emergency items that families who lost their homes will need for their new homes.

If you would like to donate, please bring day-to-day essentials, such as clothing, bedding, towels, household items, children's and toddler items, etc. An MED truck will be available at the tree lighting to collect donations and they will also be accepted at the MED office throughout the month of December.

Meteorologist Bree Smith from News Channel 5 will lead the celebration, which includes performances of Christmas favorites from Brittney Spencer, MTSU's Generation of Purpose Gospel Choir, the Cason Lane Academy Choir, Central Magnet School Choir and Campus School Choir. There will also be ballet and tap dancing from Jimmie Lou Tate's Dancer's School, as well as a preview of the musical "The Christmas Schooner" from the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance to flip the switch and light the official Rutherford County Christmas tree. Afterward, the couple will be available for photographs and for listening to children's Christmas wishes at the courthouse throughout the month.

Join us downtown tomorrow night for an evening of Christmas celebration and help MED Support the Smokies.

The downtown Christmas tree lighting is sponsored by Main Street Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Electric Department, Bell & Associates Construction, Dempsey Vantrease & Follis, First Tennessee Bank, True North Geographic Technologies, Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City Schools. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are sponsored by downtown lawyers.

For more information, and for Mr. and Mrs. Claus' full schedule, visit www.downtownmurfreesboro.com.

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