Visitors to Knoxville Zoo will enjoy free admission and parking on Kroger Free Day, Saturday, Nov. 13, 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. A donation is not required to attend Kroger Free Day, but it is appreciated and helps our partner charities make a difference.

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.

Special thanks to Kroger, WIVK FM and News Talk 98.7 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 and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.