Lexington, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has introduced an innovative voluntourism program called ‘Pick Up Perks,’ encouraging visitors to engage in community cleanup efforts. Participants collect litter in exchange for a complimentary cup of coffee from local shops. This initiative not only beautifies the environment but also fosters connections among visitors and local businesses, aligning with VisitLEX’s broader ‘Lex for Good’ effort for sustainable tourism.
Lexington has launched an innovative voluntourism initiative called “Pick Up Perks” aimed at encouraging community engagement while enhancing the local environment. The program, spearheaded by VisitLEX, invites visitors to participate in litter collection across parks and neighborhoods in exchange for a free cup of drip coffee from selected local coffee shops.
Participation in the “Pick Up Perks” initiative allows visitors to contribute positively to Lexington’s community while enjoying a rewarding perk for their efforts. The cleanup supplies required for the litter collection can be acquired either from the participating coffee shop or from the Lexington Visitors Center, making it accessible for anyone wishing to join in. After completing their litter collection, participants can return to their chosen coffee shop to redeem their complimentary coffee.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among travelers who seek meaningful opportunities to engage with communities they are visiting. Through programs like “Pick Up Perks,” travelers are able to make lasting memories while also ensuring they leave a positive impact on the local environment. The initiative is part of VisitLEX’s broader effort known as “Lex for Good,” which focuses on promoting environmentally conscious, accessible, and inclusive tourism.
With this program, VisitLEX aims to strengthen the connections among visitors, local businesses, and the shared spaces of Lexington. Arin Arnold-Davis, the Director of Destination Stewardship and Community Engagement at VisitLEX, has highlighted the importance of Lexington’s natural beauty and vibrant community in attracting visitors. Furthermore, she pointed out that even short engagement periods, such as 10 minutes, can contribute significantly to supporting local businesses while beautifying the city.
Participants are encouraged to share their cleanup activities on social media using the hashtag #PickUpPerks, helping to raise awareness and inspire others to take part in community cleanups. By participating in “Pick Up Perks,” visitors not only play a crucial role in enhancing the local environment but also get to experience the warmth of Lexington’s local offerings, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
More information regarding the “Pick Up Perks” initiative can be accessed through the VisitLEX website, where potential participants can learn about the various ways they can contribute to the local community during their visit to Lexington.
Key Features of “Pick Up Perks”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Pick Up Perks |
| Organizer | VisitLEX |
| Objective | Encourage litter collection for community engagement |
| Reward | Free cup of drip coffee from local shops |
| Supplies | Available at participating shops and the Lexington Visitors Center |
| Social Media | Hashtag #PickUpPerks |
| Part of | Lex for Good initiative |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Pick Up Perks”?
“Pick Up Perks” is a voluntourism initiative launched by VisitLEX that encourages participants to pick up litter in Lexington’s parks and neighborhoods. In exchange for their efforts, participants receive a free cup of drip coffee from local coffee shops.
How can I participate in “Pick Up Perks”?
To participate, individuals can pick up litter in the specified areas, collect supplies from participating coffee shops or the Lexington Visitors Center, and return to redeem their coffee reward after their involvement.
What do I receive for participating?
Participants receive a free cup of drip coffee from a participating local coffee shop as a thank-you for their community service.
Is there a specific timeframe for participation?
There is no specific timeframe; even short-duration participation, like 10 minutes, is encouraged and appreciated.
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Additional Resources
- VisitLEX: Pick Up Perks Initiative
- Wikipedia: Voluntourism
- VisitLEX: Lex for Good Initiative
- Google Search: Community Engagement
- VisitLEX: Eco-Friendly Tour Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Environment
- VisitLEX: Healthy Lexington Initiative
- Google News: Sustainable Tourism
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
