Tag: holidays

Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Food

Chattanooga Cuppa Joe

Written by Megan Cooper

The Hot Chocolatier in Saint Elmo serves a variety of sweet drinks and treats. This store opened in early 2023. November 21, 2024 (Photo by Megan Cooper)

The rich scent of chocolate clings to the walls and the couple inside the Hot Chocolatier store in the early fall morning. Workers begin baking and cleaning the cases filled with chocolate treats from sweet moist flaky cake to dense rich truffles.

Bradon Buckner and his wife Wendy Buckner spend almost every morning at their Market Street or St. Elmo store. Brandon never could have imagined where he and his wife would have ended up. 

The dream would become the Hot Chocolatier that Chattanooga has today started as a hobby. 

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Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Diversity, donate, Family, Sustainability

Truly Priceless

Written by Koleby Gilbert

Koleby Gilbert interviews Liz Hutcherson and Nena Beckham about the Chattanooga Free Store, their involvement in it, and the positive impact it has on the community.

On the corner of Dodson Ave. and Ocoee St. sits a quiet, unassuming building with little more than an open sign and organization logo on the storefront. Underneath reads a simple phrase: “Solidarity, not charity.” Take a closer look inside and you’ll be met with clothing racks, a variety of toys, shoes and hygiene products—all without a price tag.

The Chattanooga Free Store is a non-religious, completely volunteer-run organization that actively embraces mutual aid, serving a community of families and friends at least three times a week. Including items like toys, health products, sexual health items, and food from their community fridge, the Free Store is for everyone; no questions, judgment or payment.

Long-time manager and volunteer, Liz Hutcherson, has been a shining beacon of hope, collaboration and strength within the community fostered by the Free Store. 

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