JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Tennessee’s First Lady invited children and their families from across the state who participated in the 6th annual Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge to the governor’s residence in Nashville for the Tennessee Kids Serve Carnival. A volunteer granted event started by First Lady Maria Lee of Tennessee back in 2019. Those who attended, including Marion County resident, Mallory Hasnani, have been given the chance to help others in need via various activities, as well as meet face to face with the state governor Bill Lee and his wife Maria.
Many other children and families also participated in this statewide event that dedicates to giving back and helping others across the state in various communities. Children from grades K-6 were welcomed to participate in the various community based activities, such as handing out letters and baked goods to first responders, creating lemonade stands to raise money for nonprofit use and even hosting local clean ups in various city parks. Held between June 1 and August 1 of this year, this event has been one of breaking records, having more than 800 children across various counties of Tennessee participating in the program. This year’s event also held a record-breaking amount of hours that were served in communities, with a grand total of 3,363 hours clocked in from a total of 43 counties.
Since its start back in 2019, the program has had over 3,000 attendees across the Volunteer State while also clocking in a total set of hours at 11,147. The program also holds monthly challenges throughout the year for families to participate in for their local communities, such as the aforementioned activities, marking it as a successful program within yet another successful year in motion for the government funded program. For more information you can visit https://www.tn.gov/firstlady/tennessee-serves/.
