By Ben Lawson
ben@seymourherald.com
For the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries, the holiday season is a time for reaching out to the community – which is not much different than each of their days for the past 11 years.
SMARM was founded in 2001 with the assistance of the Knox Area Rescue Ministries to provide emergency relief to people in need, helping out with necessities such as utility bill and rent while also seeking the source of needy people’s financial problems so they can help treat the cause.
“We do five meals a week right now throughout Sevier County,” said Dick Wellons, SMARM director.
The nonprofit, faith-based organization will hold their annual “Winter Coat Day” on the second Saturday in December.  The program, which offers a free coat to anyone in need, has provided between 25 – 30,000 coats during its 11 years.  
Anyone interested in donating a coat for the program may drop them off at the Treasures from the Heart Thrift Stores in Seymour and Sevierville.
SMARM will also host a Festival of Trees this week running from Tuesday through Saturday.  There is no entry fee.
“It helps create awareness for the community about what needs are out there,” Wellons said.
SMARM is located at 230 Court Avenue in Sevierville.  For more information, check out their Web site at smarm.org.

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