Lexington, KY, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky’s Donations for Citations program allows individuals with parking citations to donate food or personal care items to waive their fines. Running from early October through the end of the month, the program supports students with food insecurity. Participants can either donate ten nonperishable food items or five personal care items. This initiative, which promotes community support and engagement, works in tandem with LexPark’s new Connect for Community program, allowing monetary contributions to aid local nonprofits.
Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky (UK) is set to launch its annual Donations for Citations program beginning Monday and running through October 31, 2023. This initiative allows individuals with a regular $30 parking citation to resolve their fines by donating nonperishable food or personal care items to support the Big Blue Pantry, which assists students facing food insecurity.
Participants can pay off their citation by either donating ten nonperishable food items or five personal care items. This program is designed to alleviate financial burdens for students and staff, while simultaneously providing essential resources for their fellow community members in need.
Donation drop-offs will be accepted at UK Transportation Services located on Press Avenue. The drop-off hours are set for weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., leading up to Halloween. The program seeks to engage the campus community in supporting fellow students and enhancing the availability of food and hygiene products at the Big Blue Pantry.
LexPark Adopts New Initiative for Community Support
In a related effort, LexPark is phasing out its Food for Fines initiative in favor of a new program known as Connect for Community. The Food for Fines program, which has been in operation since 2014, has successfully aided the local community during the holiday season.
The Connect for Community initiative will permit both food and monetary donations to support various local nonprofits. A new feature of the program allows participants to pay off parking citations with monetary donations, with LexPark matching each dollar donated at a rate of two-for-one. For instance, a $10 donation can eliminate a $20 citation, significantly incentivizing community contributions.
Participating nonprofits in this program include notable organizations such as GreenHouse17, Step by Step, Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative, Arbor Youth Services, Shepherds House, and God’s Pantry. Since its inception, LexPark has enabled nearly $56,000 in citations to be paid, emphasizing its commitment to community welfare.
Donations for the Connect for Community program can be made online, and the program will be active until Friday, December 13, 2023. This change from food donations to monetary contributions is intended to provide donors with increased convenience and flexibility in supporting local charitable efforts.
Conclusion and Impact
Both the University of Kentucky and LexPark are actively working towards fostering a sense of community and alleviating hunger and financial strain for those in need. The Donations for Citations program highlights the importance of community support during the academic year, while the Connect for Community initiative demonstrates an evolving approach to philanthropy and social responsibility in the Lexington area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Donations for Citations program?
The Donations for Citations program allows individuals with a parking citation at the University of Kentucky to pay it off by donating food or personal care items to support the Big Blue Pantry.
How can I participate in the Donations for Citations program?
To participate, bring ten nonperishable food items or five personal care items to UK Transportation Services to have your $30 citation waived.
When does the program run?
The Donations for Citations program runs from Monday through October 31, 2023.
Where can donations be dropped off?
Donations can be dropped off at UK Transportation Services on Press Avenue, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What is the Connect for Community program?
Connect for Community is LexPark’s initiative that allows people to pay off parking citations with food or monetary donations, with cash contributions matched two-for-one to support local nonprofits.
Who benefits from the Connect for Community program?
Several local nonprofits benefit from this program, including GreenHouse17 and God’s Pantry, among others.
Key Features Comparison Table
| Program | Type of Donation | Duration | Location for Drop-off | Benefiting Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations for Citations | Food or Personal Care Items | October 1 – October 31, 2023 | UK Transportation Services | Big Blue Pantry |
| Connect for Community | Food and Monetary Donations | Now – December 13, 2023 | Online and Various Locations | Local Nonprofits (e.g., GreenHouse17, God’s Pantry) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Kentucky Expands Big Blue Pantry Services
Lexington Weather Update: Winter Wonderland Continues
Additional Resources
- WTVQ: UK’s Donations for Citations Begins Today
- Lex18: Connect for Community Launches
- Kentucky.com: Donations for Citations Program
- Wikipedia: Volunteerism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charity
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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