Donations for Citations returns Feb. 23-27
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 20, 2026) — Turn a citation into a donation that supports University of Kentucky’s Big Blue Pantry. UK Transportation Services’ spring donations drive starts Monday, Feb. 23, and continues through Friday, Feb. 27.
This popular program helps stock the shelves at Big Blue Pantry, an on-campus organization that works to combat hunger and food insecurity for UK students.
How the donation drive works:
Students or employees who have a regular $30 parking citation can pay their fee during this week 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.
To participate bring donations to UK Transportation Services’ customer care center, 721 Press Ave., between Feb. 23-27. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Big Blue Pantry Director Andrew Perkins said the pantry is especially in need of personal hygiene items and food donations.
“We’re super excited once again for Donations for Citations,” Perkins said. “This time, we’re in need of items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bars of soap, hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and shaving supplies. Of course, we’re always grateful for food items as well. The Wildcat community always comes through with amazing support for us.”
Suggested personal hygiene items include shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, bar soap, hand soap, razors, shaving cream, deodorant and tampons or sanitary pads.
Suggested food donation items include peanut butter, jelly, ramen, macaroni and cheese, pastas, pasta sauce, granola bars, cereals, rice, canned meats and soups.
Expired, damaged or opened donations, refrigerated items or items in glass containers will not be accepted. Also, no trial or travel sizes.
Visit the Big Blue Pantry’s website for information about hours of operation or to offer donations outside of this program.
If you have questions or need more information, email transportation@uky.edu or call 859-257-5757.
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.