NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Families are coming together for the holiday season. For those without family or friends to spend time with, it can be difficult.
For Nashville resident Kelly Whiteside, the holiday season looks a little different this year.
"My mom and my sister live out-of-state," Whiteside said. "This year, I will not be traveling to see them."
"I do well on my own just for a very minimal amount of time, so it's nice to have people to have conversation with," Whiteside added. "All my friends have moved out of Nashville. I'm not originally from Nashville, but I've been here 13 years and to not have anyone close per se — it is a challenge."
Loneliness is not uncommon for those living in Tennessee. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed almost 43% of Tennesseans surveyed reported feeling lonely compared to 40% nationwide. However, some have found community through giving back.
The Nashville Rescue Mission is currently preparing for a record number of people needing meals this holiday season, the most since its inception seventy years ago.
"Between Wednesday and Thursday, we anticipate serving 8,000 meals," vice president of development and marketing for the the Nashville Rescue Mission, Sam Siple, said. "...It kind of works both ways: the folks who come here to get a meal love the fact that they get to interact with somebody who cares and likewise we have volunteers that, maybe they're a little lonely themselves. Giving back and being able to interact with our guests is, really, a blessing for them as well."
Whiteside told News 2 she also planned to spend her time serving at missions and at church this holiday season.
"It's going to be good, and it is one day," Whiteside said. "So, I do push through."
