Don't be haunted by a parking citation — make it disappear during Donations for Citations
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 17, 2025) — Unpaid citations don’t have to be scary. Make your parking citation disappear during University of Kentucky Transportation Services’ Halloween Donations for Citations drive.
The annual Donations for Citations drive starts Monday, Oct. 20, and runs through Halloween on Friday, Oct. 31. This popular program helps stock the shelves at UK’s 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 two-week period by donating food or personal care items. Ten nonperishable food items or five 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 UK Transportation Services' customer care center, 721 Press Ave., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20-31.
BBP Director Andrew Perkins said the pantry is in need of personal hygiene items this year, as well as regular food items.
“The new school year has started off big for us at the pantry,” said Perkins. “This is the largest incoming class in UK’s history and likewise, we are assisting more students than ever before. Items like cooking oil, rice, beans, pasta and personal hygiene supplies are our greatest needs. Of course, we’re grateful for any and all donations received. We’re so impressed with the Wildcat community and their generosity each year for this drive.”
Suggested personal hygiene items
Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, bar soap, hand soap, razors, shaving cream, deodorant and tampons or sanitary pads
Suggested food donation items
Peanut butter, jelly, ramen, macaroni and cheese, pastas, pasta sauce, granola bars, cereals, rice, canned meats and soups
Expired, damaged or opened donations will not be accepted. Also, refrigerated items or items in glass containers will not be accepted. No trial sizes.
Visit the Big Blue Pantry’s website for information about hours of operation or to offer donations outside of this program.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.