This holiday season, Chuck McDowell, owner of Medical House Calls, and his wife Jo Ellen McDowell are making a powerful impact across Middle Tennessee—stepping up to ensure families have food on the table when it matters most.
In addition to launching a $100,000 leadership gift and matching challenge for OneGenAway, Chuck McDowell also covered the $65,000 food cost for the MNPD Christmas Basket Program, providing food and toys to 425 Nashville families this Christmas.
Together, these efforts reflect a deep, personal commitment to addressing food insecurity during the holiday season.
A $100K Gift—and a Challenge to the Community
As reported by the Nashville Tennessean and the Williamson Herald, the McDowells established a $100,000 matching challenge to support OneGenAway through December 31—doubling every dollar donated to help families impacted by SNAP disruptions and furlough-related hardships.
“This community shows up for one another,” said Chuck McDowell. “Jo Ellen and I believe that when families are facing empty pantries because of SNAP disruptions or paycheck interruptions, we all have a responsibility to help. We hope this match inspires others to give—knowing every gift will be doubled.”
What the OneGenAway Match Will Do
The McDowell Gift & Match allows OneGenAway to move quickly and strategically during a time of extraordinary need by:
- Accelerating emergency food distributions in ZIP codes affected by SNAP interruptions
- Increasing purchasing power for fresh produce, proteins, and shelf-stable staples
- Expanding Doorstep Pantry deliveries for homebound seniors, single-parent households, and families with transportation barriers
- Keeping operations nimble, funding refrigerated trucking, fuel, warehousing, and volunteer mobilization so food reaches families in days—not weeks
As OneGenAway Founder & CEO Chris Whitney shared, “Hunger is urgent—and solvable. Chuck and Jo Ellen’s generosity is fuel we can put on the road immediately.”
Supporting 425 Families Through MNPD’s Christmas Basket Program
Beyond Williamson County, McDowell extended his holiday giving to Nashville by covering the entire $65,000 food cost for the MNPD’s Christmas Basket Program—an initiative that delivers food and toys to families in need, many of whom are identified by police officers who work with them throughout the year.
“There’s no reason a single person or family should go without food in a great city like Nashville,” McDowell said. “I grew up in Hendersonville, and my family relied on the goodness of others many times to survive. I’m happy to give back and challenge others to do the same.”
MNPD Chief John Drake praised the contribution, noting the program’s long-standing tradition and the importance of community partners who step in to help in meaningful ways.
A Values-Driven Commitment to Community
The McDowells also own Wesley Financial Group, and their philanthropic efforts reflect the people-first values shared across their companies. At Medical House Calls, caring for neighbors extends beyond healthcare—supporting community well-being is part of the mission.
How You Can Help This Holiday Season
The McDowell $100,000 Matching Challenge is still underway. Every dollar donated to OneGenAway will be doubled—turning $100,000 into $200,000 for families right now.
- Donate: onegenaway.com/donate (note “McDowell Match” in the comment line)
- Corporate/Foundation Gifts: Contact Cynthia Stielow, Chief Advancement Officer, at cynthia@onegenaway.com
- Learn about Mobile Pantries: onegenaway.com/mobile-pantry
