Donations for Citations Drive Starts Monday, February 10

Show some love to the University of Kentucky’s Big Blue Pantry and settle a citation at the same time! UK Transportation Services' Donations for Citations drive starts on Monday, February 10, and runs through Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14.

Donations for Citations helps stock the shelves at Big Blue Pantry (BBP), an on-campus organization that works to combat hunger and food insecurity for UK students.

Students or employees who have a regular ($30) parking citation can pay their fee during this one week by donating food or personal care items. Ten (10) non-perishable food items or five (5) personal care items will 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.

Participating is easy! Simply bring your donations to our customer care center, located at 721 Press Avenue, from February 10-14. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lance Broeking, director of UK Transportation Services, explained that “The Donations for Citations drive is a staff favorite. It gives our department a chance to turn something negative (a citation) into something positive by helping combat food insecurity on campus.”

This is the tenth year that Transportation Services has partnered with BBP. Since the program’s inception in 2016, Donations for Citations has delivered almost 32,000 pounds of food and personal care items to the pantry.

Last fall, Transportation Services did a three-week food drive for the Pantry resulting in 4,166 pounds of food and personal care items. As a result, the Pantry still has a selection of canned goods available. BBP Director Andrew Perkins said he hopes this drive will help provide primarily dry goods, which are items the pantry needs the most. 

“We’re always in need of dry goods and personal care items, as they disappear quickly from our shelves,” said Perkins. “As always, we’re grateful for the generosity of the UK community!”

Suggested Food Items:

rice, pasta, and sauce (no glass jars, please), ramen, oatmeal, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, macaroni and cheese, shelf-stable microwave meals, and fruit cups

Suggested Personal Hygiene Items:

shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, hand soap, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, and tampons or sanitary pads

Please note: Expired, damaged, or opened donations will not be accepted. Also, refrigerated items or items in glass containers will not be accepted. No trial sizes, please.

Visit the Pantry’s website for information about hours of operation or to offer donations outside of this program.