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Wlaf1450Ruthie Simpson-Ivey continues to lead in life just like she did on the basketball court
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- In her time of playing basketball, from Jacksboro to Campbell High to Walters State to LMU, Ruthie Simpson was never outworked nor outhustled. Today she is Ruthie Simpson-Ivey, and she continues to work, hustle and impress as the Food Rescue Manager for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
Ivey’s usual duties were placed on hold for Tuesday morning’s monthly Second Harvest Food Drive, hosted by the La Follette Church of God. “It was all-hands-on-deck, and I volunteered today, because some of our other folks could not be here,” said the now grown woman who used to wear jersey number 52 for the Lady Cougars.
“I really love being involved especially when we have an event here at home. I just live up the road at Fincastle,” said Ivey. Ivey has been with Second Harvest for almost 22 years and described Tuesday morning’s turnout as “great”.
Second Harvest food distributions take place on the second Tuesday of each month at the La Follette Church of God.
Scott Whitson has been with Second Harvest Food Bank for more than five years and drives the 18-wheeler. Whitson drives rural routes, drives the mobile pantry, like on Tuesday, and food rescue.
Back doors of vans and trunks were open through a line of vehicles that wrapped around the church building as the parking lot resembled a major traffic jam. Though there was one big difference. This traffic jam was moving along quite smoothly as volunteers lifted loads of food into everyone’s vehicle.
Folks, who expressed their appreciation as they drove away, lined up before the 10am event, and the food was all gone in a very short period of time.
Just like on the basketball court, Ivey, in her signature upbeat tone and big smile, chalked the day up as a big win for all involved. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/11/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)