Commissioners encourage citizens to support Open Arms Ministry

Open Arms Ministry served 20,000+ individuals in 2025; half Campbell County’s population

By Charlotte Underwood

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- Commission Chairman Johnny Bruce spoke at Monday’s County Commission meeting, encouraging everyone that can to support area food pantry Open Arms Ministry.

“I went by there today and the amount of people that they serve is a large number and I would just ask anyone, the public, grocery stores, whoever, if you have some canned goods or whatever, that you would like to donate, please do so, this is a good organization,” Bruce said. Bruce said when he stopped by on Monday, there “was a line of people lined up to get food.”

If we didn’t have them, people would not get the help they need,” Bruce said. He read off some statistics from Open Arms Ministry.”

“In 2025 alone, the adults served were 10,796, children 4,470, seniors 4,805 for a total of 20,071 and families were 8,195, so they help a lot of people. If you are out there and you want to give, they are someone good to give to,” Bruce said.

Commissioner Rusty Orick added that all those who help at Open Arms Ministry are all volunteers.

“Mondays and Tuesdays are the days they show up, and they do a tremendous job. They are good people, out just to help others,” Orick said.

“They need help to feed families,” Commissioner Dewayne Baird said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/18/2026-6AM)