Visitors to Knoxville Zoo will enjoy free admission and parking on Kroger Free Day, Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Last admissions are one hour before closing at 3:30 p.m.) Kroger Free Day is a way to give back to the community and help other local charities who also make East Tennessee a better place to live, too. Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation for one of the charitable organizations who will be on-site on Kroger Free Day.

This year, Mission of Hope, Young-Williams Animal Center and The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley are the charities benefiting from the generosity of Kroger Free Day visitors.

Mission of Hope is a volunteer organization providing assistance, aid and resources to those living in poverty-stricken areas in rural Appalachia. In order to help meet the increased demand of the holiday season, they are requesting donations of non-perishable food items, new children�s toys and hygiene items such as tooth brushes, toothpaste, dental floss, bar soap, deodorant and shampoo.

The Young-Williams Animal Center takes in stray and surrendered animals in Knox County and helps identify and return lost pets. They also provide humane education and pet-care information to the community and schools. The center is in need of dry and canned dog, cat, puppy and kitten food. (Dry dog and cat food donations are requested in 20 pound bags or smaller.)

The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley strives to end pet over-population, shelters homeless and abused animals, and works to educate and advocate on behalf of animals in East Tennessee. The humane society is requesting donations of Purina brand dog, cat, puppy and kitten food.

Zoo staff will also be collecting school supplies for the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Study�s conservation education program, Club Ebobo, which benefits schoolchildren in Congo, Africa, and Knoxville Zoo�s Green Team will be collecting old cell phones, cell phone accessories, and used printer cartridges for recycling.

A donation is not required to attend Kroger Free Day, but it is greatly appreciated, so stop by Kroger, pick up one of the requested items and help our partner charities make a difference.

Special thanks to Kroger, WIVK FM, WNOX FM, and WOKI FM for their support of the event.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day.The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed tothe highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, thezoo is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before thezoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org