River City, TN December 2025

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DecemberThe Giving Issue

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” — Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The holiday season is here (though some might say it’s been here since November 1st) bringing with it the sights, sounds and traditions that make this time of year so magical. For many of us, the holidays are a chance to rekindle the joy we felt as children: the twinkle of lights, the scent of something sweet in the oven and the familiar rhythms of family traditions that never fade.

This issue celebrates that spirit and the people who keep our city’s heart merry and bright all year long. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated local gift guide to make giving both easier and more meaningful, a festive recipe for Christmas cheer and holiday decorating inspiration to spark joy in every corner. We also venture over the river and through the woods for an annual Arkansas event, share a roundup of local charitable causes that embody the spirit of giving and step inside the imaginative home of Karen Carrier, whose warmth and creativity capture the soul of Memphis.

Still, amid the sparkle and celebration, the season can be tender; a time when memories rise to the surface and we feel both the fullness and the fragility of life. In that spirit, may we hold close Dickens’s reminder to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering our time or simply checking in on a neighbor, these small gestures are what keep the season, and our community thriving.

My hope for all of us this year is to embrace the beautiful imperfection of the holidays: the tangled lights, the flour-dusted counters, the laughter that fills the spaces in between. These are the moments that matter.

May your season be merry, meaningful and full of grace — and may the joy of giving linger long after the last ornament is packed away.

Happy Everything,

LINDSEY TONKIN, EDITOR

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Voigt | studio@sarahvoigt.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Golden | amy.golden@citylifestyle.com

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jeff McMillen

COPY EDITOR

Jo-Ellen Sharpe

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Uday Sripathi | uday@goldensparrowstudios.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Barbara Williamson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Amy Threadgill

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

inside the issue

Boundless Flavor

Restaurateur

Store Credit

Locally

Wings Over the Prairie

Celebrating

LIVE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

Visit Dr. Tyler Fraser and OrthoSouth to overcome your Foot or Ankle Pain

DR. TYLER FRASER

Fellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Dr. Fraser is a board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic foot and ankle specialist who sees patients at OrthoSouth offices in East Memphis, Bartlett, and Germantown.

Covering a Wide Range of Lower Extremity Ambulatory Issues: ARTHRITIS · TURF TOE · BUNIONS · SPRAINS · ACHILLES TENDON TEARS BONE SPURS · HAMMERTOES · TENDINITIS · FRACTURES · MORE

Dr. Fraser’s patients regularly give him a 5 out of 5 rating, making him a favorite for foot and ankle care in the Greater Memphis Area. If your lower extremity pain is bringing you down, call Dr. Fraser today!

AMI AUSTIN - BABCOCK GIFTS - BLU D’OR INTERIORS - CHICO’S COLLECTED BY ELIZABETH MALMO - COTTON TAILS - DINSTUHL’S

EAST MEMPHIS ATHLETIC CLUB - FLEET FEET SPORTS

FROST BAKE SHOP - GOETZE ART & DESIGN - HIGHTEE - HOT YOGA PLUS J. MCLAUGHLIN - JAMES DAVIS - J. JILL - JOSEPH - JOSEPH MEN

KING FURS AND FINE JEWELRY - KITTIE KYLE - LIBRO

LISA MALLORY · SARAH SPINOSA INTERIOR DESIGN - LORI JAMES

NOVEL - ORVIS - PANERA BREAD - PAVO SALON

PIGTAILS AND CREWCUTS - RESTAURANT IRIS - SACHI

SECOND LINE Coming in '26! - SISSY’S LOG CABIN

STOVALL COLLECTION - ZÜPMED

BOUNDLESS FLAVOR

Restaurateur Karen Carrier transforms her home with bold design, family collaboration and Memphis soul.

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

Step into Karen Carrier’s freshly renovated Chickasaw Gardens home and you’ll instantly recognize the same spirit that defines her restaurants — bold, eclectic and brimming with soul. The celebrated restaurateur, caterer and creative force behind The Beauty Shop, Mollie Fontaine Lounge, Bar DKDC, Another Roadside Attraction and New York-based Automatic

“Memphis is in my blood. It’s the heartbeat of everything I do.”

Slims has always had an eye for transforming spaces. But this time, the project was personal.

Four years ago, Karen’s son, Austin Carrier, called from California with a birthday gift that would change everything: the promise of a dream kitchen. Austin and his husband, Alex Mutter-Rottmayer, are the design duo behind Hommeboys Interiors, an award winning, Sonoma-based firm known for blending indoor-outdoor living with a distinctive artistic edge. Together, they also launched Haus of Hommeboys, a furniture line that debuted last year.

“My sons grew up in this kitchen,” Karen says with a laugh. “It had a 1940s stove with two working eyes and barely any natural light. I loved it, but Austin said, ‘No way, Mom—it’s your time.’”

The project began in early 2024, with construction kicking off that March. Carrier assembled a familiar dream team: contractor Perry Sponseller of Sponseller McGary Construction, Jay Schwartz

Electrical and Cobb Plumbing — all longtime collaborators on her restaurant ventures. Artist Allison Furr Lawyer, whose gold and silver leafing work graces Karen’s eateries, added Venetian plaster finishes to the new kitchen cabinetry. Her high school best friend, Julia Avanzi Finnell, a fellow Memphis College of Art alum, helped oversee the architectural details. “I’m a visual person, not great at reading plans,” Karen admits. “Julia translated it all for me.”

Even though Austin and Alex were managing the renovation from California, the process was seamless — the magic of a family that speaks the same creative language. They flew in just three times, relying on long-distance collaboration and a shared design vision. Marble countertops were sourced from California, custom knobs came from a Parisian designer and intricately carved Moroccan wood panels (a feature Austin initially deemed “too expensive”) became the kitchen’s crowning jewel. CONTINUED >

Home is where her heart beats loudest. “Memphis is rumbling under the surface,” she says. “It’s full of creative, funny, talented people. I’m proud to be part of that energy — feeding it, one meal at a time.”

“This was a labor of love,” Karen says, smiling. “And a true collaboration.”

The transformation opened up the once-dark kitchen, knocking down walls and connecting it to the dining and living areas. Now, a 10-foot folding glass door blurs the line between indoors and out, leading to a lush backyard with a pool and deck — a touch of Sonoma in the heart of Memphis.

“I wanted that feeling of indoor-outdoor living that I love so much when I visit Austin and Alex,” Karen says. “It’s perfect for entertaining; I host staff pool parties, manager dinners and family gatherings here. It’s about community, laughter and breaking bread.”

That sense of community runs deep. For Karen, cooking has always been an art form, a “cross-cultural, tropical comfort” that pulls influences from Oaxaca, Jamaica, Thailand, Vietnam and the American South. “My food knows no borders,” she says. “It’s like painting — mixing mediums to create something unexpected.”

Her kitchen now doubles as a testing ground for new dishes that might appear on her catering menus or restaurant specials. It’s a space for experimentation, celebration and connection — everything she loves about the business of food.

Though her creative journey has taken her from Nashville to the streets of New York, Karen’s roots have never left Memphis soil. A proud graduate of White Station High School and the Memphis Academy of Arts, she was shaped by the city’s rhythm and history.

“I was raised on Stax and High Records, learned to dance at Club Paradise and saw James Brown at the Goodwill Revues,” she says. “Memphis is in my blood. It’s the heartbeat of everything I do.”

These days, when she’s not in the kitchen or hosting friends, Karen unwinds with her dog, good books, Pilates and the occasional escape: a month in Jamaica every January, visits to California and New York, and culinary adventures in Austin and New Orleans. “My motto is, if you rest, you rust,” she says. Home is where her heart beats loudest. “Memphis is rumbling under the surface,” she says. “It’s full of creative, funny, talented people. I’m proud to be part of that energy — feeding it, one meal at a time.”

Cheers to New Beginnings

A HOLIDAY DRINK FIT FOR A PARTY

The Poinsettia

Bring sparkle to your holiday gathering with this festive cocktail that blends cranberry, rosemary and a splash of rum and orange liqueur. This cocktail is ideal for large groups and is easy to prep in batches. The homemade rosemary

simple syrup adds fragrant warmth to the tart cranberry flavor. After the base of cranberry juice, simple syrup and liquor has chilled in the refrigerator, top it with Champagne for a festive toast to the season.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cranberry juice

• 1/2 cup rum

• 1/2 cup orange liqueur

• 1 bottle Champagne

Simple Syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 4 sprigs of rosemary

• 1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS

1. To make simple syrup, heat saucepan over medium heat. Add rosemary, sugar and water.

2. Simmer until sugar has dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove and discard rosemary sprigs.

4. Combine cranberry juice, rum, orange liqueur and simple syrup. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. Before serving, top with Champagne.  Cheers!

Bring sparkle to your holiday gathering with this festive cocktail that blends cranberry, rosemary and a splash of rum and orange liqueur.

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Store Credit

HOLIDAY HAPPIES

The holidays are here—find local shopkeepers who’ll help you make your list and checkout, so you can make room for more merry! Head to Germantown Hardware for sleds under the tree, a wow-ready gift that brings immediate joy with the first snowfall. Secure snow boots and gear now, so you’re ready to Ski Galloway.

Ménage Stationery carries stockings that aren’t meant for the mantle. Bauble Stockings are handheld charmers—needlepoint vessels for gift-giving. Hide clues for a scavenger hunt, leading to the final present. Slip in a small trinket to preview an upcoming trip or adventure. Designed to become Christmas heirlooms, they help keep the gift-giving traditions alive.

For the entertainer who seems to have it all, these high-gloss lacquer bowls—crafted from bamboo—bring both polish and practicality. Ménage offers a dozen colors in nearly every size, pretty enough to pair with her china and sturdy enough to cradle fruit on the kitchen island. They shine at buffets and family-style dinners alike. You’ll find other unique kitchen and entertaining pieces to elevate all of your gifting.

While you wait for the beautiful giftwrap, peep the new day planners – a bright new year is almost here!

Millstone Market & Nursery is a source for gardening and outdoor living, but did you know they’ll also help you set a table? If your mom loves to entertain, peruse the hand block printed table linens. And to bring the outside in, select a planter to gift as a centerpiece.

Margot Decoration brings The Drink Box by Fieldbar to Memphis. Made in Cape Town, South Africa, it’s sustainably designed, light and so stylish you can leave it out in plain sight. It can hold two magnums of champagne and be toted easily to an outdoor concert, yardy or the beach. And for those on a hunt or a picnic? It can keep beverages cool for 50 hours. You can source all your talisman needs at Paradox at PeCo. For family game night or your niece’s college dorm- a Mancala set. We are also snagging affirmation cards for our book club and teens that are way better than Instagram motivational posts.

Slice-and-bake? Never. Donna’s Dough (@donnas_dough) has a cult following for a reason. Picture perfectly rounded dough spheres, a lineup of flavors and a finishing kiss of sea salt. No need to thaw, quick to bake—just add a festive bow straight from the freezer.

You’ll need to stop at City & State to fuel your sleigh ride. Don’t miss the gift shop for all ages on your list.

A favorite culinary find?  Greek olive oil and spaghetti dust (the best sort of sorcery).

A sammy tray from Hard Time’s Deli is a respite from the traditional holiday spread. So order one for your in between party hopping nights. Be sure to add a jar of their house-made sauces.

CONTINUED >

Oxbeau is dad gear headquarters. Wrap up this Marine Layer corduroy shirt and pants set for his new uniform, suitable for a Memphis winter. A Yorkshire suede shacket can elevate his style when the dress code is not quite cocktail, but a step up from a pullover.

MARGARET MIKKELSEN modern memphis homes

WHERE MODERN LIVES IN MEMPHIS

mobile: 646-898-6901 office: 901-682-1868 margaret@modernmemphishomes.com modernmemphishomes

Midtown Bramble & Bloom (@midtown bramble) is a local floral farm and florist. Their flower subscriptions are the perfect Hanukkah happy or stocking surprise. From tulips to peonies, your favorite person can receive a rotating chorus of seasonal stems. The subscriptions commence when the varietals start blooming so each delivery feels like a surprise.

The Next Best Thing to Staying

That’s

There’s

ARTICLE BY BARBARA WILLIAMSON

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF THE WORLD-CLASS FESTIVAL AND 43 YEARS OF DUCK GUMBO

WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE

For most people, the Saturday before Thanksgiving is a time of preparation for the big day with a distinct focus on turkey. BUT in tiny Stuttgart, Arkansas, a city with a population just

That’s right, each year from November 25 to 29, you could be smack dab in the middle of one of the best outdoor shows anywhere, anytime. Spanning six city blocks, giant tents house hundreds of

STUTTGART SWELLS WITH OVER 40,000 VISITORS FOR THE ANNUAL WINGS

OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL, THE

WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTESTS AND THE DUCK GUMBO COOK-OFF!

shy of 8,000 people, all eyes are on the beauties vying for the titles of Queen Mallard and Junior Queen Mallard. The winners reign from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Saturday after, a time when waterfowl is celebrated and Stuttgart swells with over 40,000 visitors for the Annual Wings Over the Prairie Festival, The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contests and the Duck Gumbo Cook-Off!

This year marked the 90th consecutive year of the Festival and the 43rd for Duck Gumbo (as the contest is affectionately known). The party is celebrated in the Duck Hunting Capital of the World (firmly capitalized by duck hunters through the South) by the men and women that hunt, paint, carve and cook the prolific ducks who ply this flyway. There is something for absolutely everyone, whether a hunter, artist, chef or just a kid looking for a good time.

booths selling everything from highend duck paraphernalia to clothing to disco balls to decoys. You’ll see the latest in duck hunting equipment, accessories, boards, apparel – basically anything and everything needed for a successful hunt.

The fun really kicks in the Tuesday following the pageant with the opening of a spectacular midway, one of the most popular family events. Children and adults enjoy the old-fashioned (but never old) joys of a street carnival. Basketball, darts and numerous other games will test your skills, and there are rides with names like the Hurricane, Cobra, Pharaoh’s Fury and, of course, the perennial favorite, a huge Ferris wheel.

The Friday after Thanksgiving brings additional activities for the kids. For 4- to 8-year-olds, a duck calling class introduces young ones to the sport

of calling and, hopefully, leads them to a lifetime interest. Calling competitions start with the Intermediate World Championship Duck Calling Contest for ages 14 to 16. Meanwhile, older participants will find an arts and crafts area complete with gift ideas for the family, a sporting collectibles show and numerous other duck calling classes and opportunities. Adult activities begin in earnest with the VIP Party and the free Party in the Park. Both provide live music and plenty of food and libations, but you must be the appropriate age to participate!

All the comings and goings of the week are truly the prelude to Saturday, the big deal grand finale day - and what a day it is! Added to all the other activities are the signature events that are both the draw and the denouement to the festival: the duck-calling and gumbo-making that have made Wings Over the Prairie the place to be for the past 90 years. Competitions begin with the Junior World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest (age 13 and under) at 9:30 am, followed by the Women’s World’s Duck Calling Contest and a World’s Duck Calling Contest for students ages 16 to 20.

Then comes the big kahuna, the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest, open to men and women. Immediately afterwards, past world champions challenge each other in The Champion of Champions World’s Duck Calling Contest. (They are not fooling around when they say World’s Champion - this is as serious as it gets!)

AND WHILE ALL THIS QUACKING, WHISTLING AND CROAKING IS GOIN’ ON, THE DUCK GUMBO, ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS OF THE WEEKEND, IS CRANKING UP.

And while all this quacking, whistling and croaking is goin’ on, the Duck Gumbo, one of the most popular events of the weekend, is cranking up. Requirements include using at least 3 quarts of gumbo, and 50 percent of the meat must be duck. Judging starts at 3:00 pm, but the free samples are ladled out long before that. Most teams have themes and decorations designed to win Best Booth, and, by the time the winners have been announced, the party has moved into adults-only territory. And now the partay really begins! Live music and dancing are part of the Official Gumbo After Party, which follows the live music and dancing after the judging. The Beer Garden, open for two days at this point, is going full steam, and everyone is celebrating another successful Festival.

With more than enough fun, food and activity for everyone, Wings Over the Prairie could become a holiday tradition for the entire family!

For more information, contact the flock at stuttgartduckfest.com

FOLLOW

DESIGNING A JOYFUL SEASON

Three local experts reveal how thoughtful design and treasured traditions make the season truly shine.

The holiday season has a magical way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re enjoying crisp fall evenings, and the next we’re knee-deep in tinsel and to-do lists. Between decking the halls, hosting gatherings and juggling everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the joy behind it all. To help bring back the wonder and make decorating both beautiful and manageable, I turned to three local tastemakers for their expert advice on creating festive homes that sparkle with meaning, not stress.

Interior designer Cindy McCord understands this balance better than anyone. As the season begins, she recommends starting with a purge of your decorations to keep things from becoming overwhelming. “I like to keep it clean and simple,” she says. “I put up the special decorations - things that I still love.” Her advice is to edit out items you’ve outgrown so your holiday décor feels intentional, not cluttered.

Cindy prefers a monochromatic theme to avoid tiring of her décor. She puts up her holiday fare early and leaves much of it out through January. On her screened-in porch, a pre-lit grapevine tree goes up before Thanksgiving and stays until February because she “likes to see it against the occasional snow in the backyard.”

She always displays her grandmother’s hand-painted tin can bells, which have been passed down through generations.

Cindy cherishes the memories of those bells hanging in her grandmother’s and then her mother’s homes. She also recommends starting “a meaningful collection - not too many - but something that speaks to you.” Her own snowman collection, started 20 years ago, has become a family favorite.

Kevin Coble, floral designer and owner of Le Fleur, takes a different approach to keeping things manageable for busy households. His top tip is to develop a plan early. “Be observant at holiday gatherings,” he suggests. “Remember the designs you’ve seen at hotels or events; that always gives inspiration.” For parties, he recommends doing a mock-up of your vision ahead of time. “If you wait until the last minute, decorating becomes stressful and you end up doing the same old thing you did last year. You’ll be stuck in a rut.”

“TRENDS ARE GREAT FOR INSPIRATION, BUT PERSONAL TOUCHES MAKE YOUR HOME SPECIAL. THERE’S NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAYAS LONG AS IT BRINGS YOU JOY.”

Kevin advises focusing on three or four focal areas: the front door, entry hall, dining table and especially the tree. Begin with your aesthetic, then gather what you need to achieve it. “You can use items from old collections,” he says, “but elevate the look with new ribbon or by spray-painting and glittering old things you might otherwise discard.”

For Kevin, this is the season when more can be more, layering textures and sparkle for a look that feels lush and festive. “It’s the perfect season to branch out, especially

if glitter isn’t usually your thing.” He also embraces a classic approach. “Antique silver is always a welcoming look for the holidays. Adding fresh foliage to silver chalices on your dining table creates instant elegance.” This look can carry you through the entire season with simple refreshing of flowers and greenery each week.

He also suggests experimenting with nontraditional colors, like corals and browns, which can help transition Thanksgiving décor into Christmas with just a few tweaks. “Build a tree of natural branches with magnolia leaves and bittersweet for Thanksgiving gatherings,” Kevin says. “Then transform it for Christmas by adding vibrant red Ilex berry stems and ornaments for a more festive look.”

Tree decorating, Kevin believes, is the perfect opportunity to experiment each year. “Trends are great for inspiration, but personal touches make your home special. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as it brings you joy and reflects your family’s personality.” For an outdoorsy family, he suggests a naturalistic forest vibe with moss, antlers, feathers and burlap ribbon. For a nostalgic look, mix vintage ornaments with a few modern pieces to add depth and interest.

JJ Keras, Today Show Entertaining and Lifestyle Expert and local tastemaker, keeps the season grounded in meaning with her favorite mantra: “presence, not presents.” She says, “Being truly present with loved ones is the greatest gift.” To celebrate connection, she displays holiday cards throughout the house - around doorways with garland, across the mantel, down the staircase or even on her kids’ bedroom doors. “Seeing loved ones’ faces all month is a great reminder of what presence truly means during the holidays.”

JJ also sets aside time for shared family moments: cooking together, organizing gifts under the tree or enjoying game night by the fire. “These are the little things that create memories,” she says.

Another of JJ’s favorite traditions is helping her children build their own ornament collections. Each child has a box for the ornaments they’ve collected over the years. Whenever they travel, they choose one special ornament to add. “Ornaments are small and easy to pack,” JJ notes. “When it’s time to decorate, they feel a sense of responsibility and connection to the tradition.”

As the season unfolds, these experts remind us that holiday decorating doesn’t have to be about perfection - it’s about connection. Whether you embrace simplicity, add a touch of sparkle or celebrate family traditions, the goal is to create a space that reflects your heart. By focusing on what brings joy and meaning, your home will shine with the true spirit of the holidays.

Local charities and causes to support this holiday season

It’s Giving, River City

The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to the community that gives us so much all year long. Whether through donations, volunteering or spreading awareness, there are countless ways to make a difference right here at home. Here we have included some of the ways we can make a tangible contribution to fellow Memphians through a variety of local charities and organizations (we wish we could include them all) doing meaningful work in the River City. From helping families in need to animals in need, we hope you can find a cause that speaks to your heart during this season of giving.

ARTICLE BY MARGARET LEDBETTER AND LINDSEY TONKIN

Catholic Charities of West Tennessee

Catholic Charities of West Tennessee welcomes anyone in crisis—no matter their background or beliefs. Each day, the organization provides food, clothing and personal care essentials while connecting individuals to housing and other vital resources so that all members of our community can experience stability, dignity and hope. Sadly, the needs continue to grow and gifts of time and financial generosity can make a meaningful difference for a neighbor facing hunger, homelessness or hardship. Visit ccwtn.org for a list of immediate needs and volunteer opportunities.

Forrest Spence Fund

Our friends at the Forrest Spence Fund ensure that the children of Memphis (along with their siblings and caregivers) who are hospitalized over the holidays receive thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts. Visit forrestspencefund.org to shop their Christmas wish list for all ages and donate new, unwrapped toys for their Christmas toy drive through December 12th. You can also explore their ongoing volunteer opportunities to help spread cheer this holiday season and beyond as they assist families coping with a critically or chronically ill child throughout the Mid-South each day.

Su Casa Family Ministries

Su Casa Family Ministries exists to connect and empower the Latino immigrant community through connection and education by offering both adult English classes and dual-language preschool classes. You can support Su Casa by purchasing a set of holiday greeting cards made by their preschool students for $50. Your gift of any value helps to subsidize the cost of high quality-education for immigrant families in need this winter at sucasamemphis.org.

Dorothy Day House

The gracious Dorothy Day House on Union Avenue provides housing and support services for families experiencing homelessness in Memphis. Working with other local agencies, staff members and volunteers, they provide families in need with a safe environment and the means to re-establish their independence. All guests are welcomed. Each year, the Dorothy Day House seeks Christmas Wishlist Sponsors. Each wish list found on their website  dorothydaymemphis.org includes a need, want, wear and read—they ask sponsors to budget $100–$150 per list which ensures that every parent and child in the Dorothy Day House can celebrate the season with hope and joy.

Calvary Episcopal Church

Calvary Episcopal Church, the “Mother Parish of Memphis and Shelby County,” offers multiple community ministries, including the Calvary Closet, Room at the Inn and Thistle and Bee, Inc. Each year at this time, Calvary provides Emmanuel Meals, a Christmas dinner prepared for our neighbors who are experiencing poverty or homelessness. You can volunteer to cook, serve, clean up and more online at calvarymemphis.org where paper turkeys are also available for $40 which subsidizes the cost of the meal.

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County cares for more than 300 animals each day, which requires a lot of food and supplies. They have made it easy to donate the most needed items through their handy Amazon wish list. From food and bedding to toys and treats, donations can be delivered directly to the shelter or simply drop off. For the dogs and cats wishing for a forever family this season, visit memphishumane.org.

jared small concomitant