Donations for Citations is back with some friendly competition

LEXINGTON, KY (Oct. 9, 2024) — UK Transportation Services’ popular Donations for Citations program is making a competitive come-back this fall. The University of Kentucky will be competing with students and employees from the University of Tennessee (UT) to see which program can gather the most donations to support their respective food pantries.

This year’s drive runs Oct. 14-31.

Like in previous years, UK students and employees who have a regular ($30) parking citation can pay their citation during the drive by donating food or personal care items. Bring donations to the customer care center, located at 721 Press Avenue, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This fall’s competition with UT was the brainchild of Maddie Duff, president of UK’s Student Government Association. She suggested a friendly contest between the two schools and worked with UT’s SGA president and the UT Parking and Transit department to help plan it.

“I thought this would be a fun way to settle a citation while benefiting UK students at the same time,” said Duff. “UT was excited to participate, as they’re always looking for ways to increase donations to their own Big Orange Pantry.”

The donations drive will last for three weeks and benefit UK’s Big Blue Pantry (BBP). Any excess donations that can’t be used by the Pantry will be shared with UK organizations Campus Kitchen and Take a Tampon.

Since its inception in 2016, Donations for Citations has become the largest contributor of food and personal care items to the Pantry. BBP works to combat hunger and food insecurity for students. Program Coordinator Andrew Perkins said the Pantry relies heavily on the generosity of the UK community to support at-risk students.

“UK’s student population is the highest it’s ever been, which means the number of students in need is also higher than ever,” said Perkins. “Donations for Citations helps us keep our shelves stocked to help as many students as possible. We’re always grateful for the outpouring of support from the UK community.”

Campus Kitchen is a student-run organization dedicated to reducing food waste and eliminating food insecurity. It recovers food and produce from campus dining facilities, grocery stores and farmers markets to prepare healthy, balanced meals for those experiencing poverty, hunger, isolation and/or homelessness in the Lexington and UK community.

The organization, Take a Tampon, works to ensure that all students have access to free and high-quality menstrual products, recognizing that many individuals, particularly those from underserved communities, struggle to afford these essential items.

Here’s how Donations for Citations works: 

Deliver 10 nonperishable (no glass, please) food items or five personal care items (no trial size) to UK Transportation Services’ office to waive one regular citation of $30 or less. 

Regular citations do not include immobilizations, impoundments, parking in fire lanes, ADA accessible parking violations or improper application or use of parking permits. Customers with unpaid citations must also pay any other outstanding citations to have one waived under this program. Citations waived through the drive are not eligible for appeal.

Individuals who don’t have a citation but would like to donate to these UK organizations are also encouraged to do so during this time. Just drop the donations off at our office.

Suggested Food Donation Items:

Cereal, instant oatmeal, granola bars, Pop Tarts or other grab-n-go breakfast items, boxed macaroni, noodles, canned pasta sauce, rice, canned meats such as chicken, tuna, beef, pork or vegetarian alternatives, individual cups of fruit or applesauce, shelf-stable microwave meals, peanut butter, condiments, jellies, shelf-stable salad dressing, canned beans and vegetables

Please note: Expired, damaged or opened donations will not be accepted. In addition, refrigerated items or those in glass containers will not be accepted. 

Suggested Personal Care Items:

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizer, shaving cream, razors, tampons and sanitary pads.

Please note: Expired, damaged or opened donations will not be accepted. No trial sizes, please.

If you have questions about Donations for Citations, please email UK Transportation Services or call the office at 859-257-5757.