SUMMARY: During the 12 Nights of Holiday Lights, we visited Murray County, where the Orange family enhanced their Christmas light display to support foster children. Stacy Glass, from Church of the City’s wraparound ministry, shared how they help foster families by providing essential items. The Orange family’s display, now in its fourth year, encourages donations for the Foster Closet. Stacy, a former foster child, is passionate about helping others and ensuring children in foster care receive the support they need. Visit the Orange home on Hansen Lane in Columbia to donate hygiene supplies and enjoy their festive lights display.

Columbia, TN family using Christmas lights display to help collect supplies for foster kids

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SUMMARY: A nonprofit in Sevierville, Mountain Strong Sanctuary, is assisting families displaced by Hurricane Helen by providing them with shelter for the holidays. Reporter Emily Crabtree highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to distribute campers to those in need across East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. They recently acquired five additional campers and are working with various partners to deliver them. The initiative aims to provide temporary housing until families secure more permanent solutions. Campers will be returned to the organization if families find long-term housing, or they will be fully donated, offering critical support during this challenging time.

The group has been working for months to get people into campers.

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SUMMARY: Portland has experienced significant growth, with its population increasing by 15% since 2010. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, driven by the development of new residential areas and Nashville’s growth. Housing in Portland remains 53% below the national average, making it an attractive option for new residents. Despite this growth, locals hope to maintain a small-town feel, avoiding large-scale commercial developments. To manage this change, the city launched the “Preserve Portland” plan, which will guide zoning and development. Officials remain optimistic about the future, especially with anticipated decreases in interest rates in 2025.

The city of Portland has seen substantial growth in recent years and that’s not expected to slow down in 2025.

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