ABOUT US
United in Giving. Driven by Purpose.
We Give began as a local outreach of Hwy 231 Church of Christ, but it quickly grew into a dynamic coalition of churches, businesses, entrepreneurs, and compassionate individuals. Together, we’re committed to meeting real needs in our community through meaningful support, seasonal programs, and educational initiatives.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to serve and uplift students, educators, and families across Middle Tennessee, especially those experiencing hardship or housing instability. We’ve proudly supported over 10,000 students, hundreds of teachers, and countless families—providing everything from back-to-school essentials to holiday joy.
We work closely with school systems like Murfreesboro City Schools’ McKinney-Vento program and Rutherford County’s Atlas program, ensuring families who need it most receive assistance with dignity and care. Whether it’s a backpack, a warm coat, or a helping hand during the holidays, We Give shows up—with love and purpose.
What We Do:
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Annual Back to School Bash – school supplies, shoes, haircuts, and fun for kids in need.
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Holiday Events – Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gift drives, and more.
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Year-Round Support – personalized outreach for families and educators through partnerships.
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Community Engagement – working hand-in-hand with churches, volunteers, and sponsors to maximize impact.
Together, we give because we care. Together, We Give.
Meet Our Team
Jantrice D. Johnson
What inspired you to lead this movement? What legacy do you hope WE GIVE leaves in the community?
As a former teacher, I know firsthand how much a new pair of shoes or a backpack can mean to a child—it’s not just about the item, it’s about confidence, dignity, and feeling prepared to learn. It’s those moments when a parent says, “This is the first time all my kids get to pick out their own shoes,” or when a child lights up with excitement over a clean pair of socks—that’s why we do this.
WE GIVE was born out of that awareness—the desire to meet people where they are and remind them they are not forgotten.
For me, the Back to School Bash and WE GIVE are more than just events—they’re a reflection of what it means to serve our community in a real, impactful way. For over 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping families, especially those in McKinney-Vento and Atlas programs, get the support they need to start the school year strong—whether it’s shoes, school supplies, or food.
As a member of Hwy 231 Church of Christ and the director of these events, we’ve set the tone for what it means to serve with love, compassion, and a sense of purpose. Over the years, we’ve served over 10,000 students with supplies, given away 5,000 food bags, 6,000 pairs of shoes, and helped thousands of teachers with classroom items across Middle Tennessee.
WE GIVE has grown into something so much bigger than I ever imagined—it’s a living, breathing example of what it looks like when a community comes together to make sure no one is left behind. That’s why this work matters to me—because it’s not just about what we give; it’s about the message behind it: You matter. We see you. And we’re in this together.
The legacy I hope WE GIVE leaves is simple but powerful: that love is still present, people still care, and community still matters. I want families to feel seen, supported, and surrounded—and I want the next generation to grow up knowing that giving back is not just an event, it's a way of life.
Tamika Mitchell
What inspired you to serve in this role with WE GIVE?
I have always had a heart for service, so when the opportunity arose to use my organizational skills to support coordination and planning while serving others, I knew it was the perfect fit. What continues to inspire me is the passion and dedication of the team and their unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact.
What is your favorite memory or moment while helping with a WE GIVE event?
One of my favorite WE GIVE memories is receiving a heartfelt hug and thank you from a single parent at our Warm Wishes event. The parent shared that they had just come from work and almost didn’t attend, but were so grateful they did. Seeing the child light up with joy while knowing the parent didn’t have to worry about dinner, holiday gifts, or the stress of the day meant everything. They were able to simply enjoy the moment, bowling together and being fully present. It was a reminder of what it means to be seen, cared for, and served with love.
How do you hope families feel when they attend a WE GIVE event?
I hope families feel seen, supported, and embraced when they attend a WE GIVE event. My hope is they leave encouraged, knowing they are loved and never walking this journey alone. Above all, I hope they experience the heart of Jesus through our service and feel the love of God in every interaction they have with us.
What keeps WE GIVE organized and running behind the scenes.
The strength of We Give comes from our dedication to collaboration, clear communication, and efficient operations. By handling responsibilities like scheduling, maintaining records, streamlining processes, and coordinating with partners and volunteers, we ensure everything functions seamlessly behind the scenes. We approach our work with a shared sense of purpose and accountability. Our focus is translating We Give’s big-picture goals into actionable items while staying aligned with priorities and building the structure to ensure that We Give’s vision is not only supported but fully realized.
Patricia Howard
Why is financial support so critical for WE GIVE? What’s your vision for keeping us sustainable?
Financial support provides the means necessary to carry out the mission of We Give. We plan to maintain sustainability through relationship building, memorable impressions for anyone giving or seeking assistance and through transparency as we highlight community impact and success stories captured as we grow and we give, together.
What inspired you to serve in this role with WE GIVE?
A single event for a back2-school bash that was filled with a day of hugs… the children provided an encouragement that words cannot express while the atmosphere fostered a place of love, support, and community. From that day forward, I have never stopped thinking about our community, any the many who are waiting to be served.
What’s your favorite memory or moment while helping with a WE GIVE event?
Finding the perfect pair of shoes for the first day of school… you never know which pair may help you run faster, shine brighter or smile bigger until you try them on!
What does giving back to the community mean to you?
Everything. We Give provides the opportunity to invest some of our most valuable assets into our future. We Give has also given me a better outlook on life as I witness the power of community.
How do you hope families feel when they attend a WE GIVE event?
Love – true compassion as they encounter every volunteer. Joy – a simple moment of peace while they enjoy a day with their families as they are served with compassion. Hope – that together, we give each other the opportunity for a brighter future.
What’s one fun or unique fact about you?
I will never turn down a hug. Most likely to tell you that I love you because well…I do!
Justin Johnson
What inspired you to serve in this role with WE GIVE?
It’s important to create a welcoming and secure space for families at our events. We want families to feel both welcomed and safe. This goal requires planning and partnering with local law enforcement as well as engaging with our volunteers. I was inspired to serve in this role because I know that safety is important and is often often not always communicated.
What’s your favorite memory or moment while helping with a WE GIVE event?
My favorite memory was serving families dinner who we helped be able to stay at hotel for Christmas.
What does giving back to the community mean to you?
Giving back to the community to me means simply spending your time and whatever resources you have on others who need it.
How do you hope families feel when they attend a WE GIVE event?
I hope families feel welcomed and helped at our events; that they benefited from something and are able to keep moving forward.
What’s one fun or unique fact about you?
Fun fact: I enjoy growing and architecting things.
Sherman Smotherman
What inspired you to serve in this role?
I love putting things together—like a carpenter. There's something deeply fulfilling about building something that brings people together and makes their lives a little lighter. This work is no different. It’s about construction—but of hope, care, and connection.
What’s your favorite memory?
I can’t pick just one. Every moment becomes a memory when you see the impact. When people ask why we do what we do, my answer is simple: Our Creator has been so good to us. That goodness overflows into service—it’s how we give back.
What does giving back to the community mean to you?
It means making a difference in the lives of others—right here, in the place we’ve been planted. It’s about using what we’ve been given to uplift the people around us, without expecting anything in return.
What keeps you going?
It’s watching everything unfold—seeing the faces of children light up, hearing the quiet “thank yous” from parents, and witnessing volunteers give of themselves for something bigger than all of us. Behind every action, there are smiling faces and grateful hearts. That’s what keeps us moving.
