Provide Joy to Children This Holiday Season Through Circle of Love

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2018) — When we think of the winter holidays, a lot of us imagine a warm house, family and gifts; unfortunately, gifts are unattainable for many Lexington families. In Fayette County, 45 percent of public school students receive free or reduced lunch and 12.2 percent of families are on food stamps. This means that their families are receiving federal assistance making sure the children are not going hungry, so presents around the holidays can be a far-off ideal.

During the holidays, it is not uncommon for families to fall behind on rent in order to buy gifts for their children which can lead to drastic consequences. One of these is commonly eviction. In Lexington, 2,829 families were evicted from their homes during 2016, and falling behind on rent is the most common reason for eviction.

The idea of a holiday gift may seem insignificant. However, the message that a gift sends to a child is far from unimportant. Circle of Love participants will be able to take a burden from parents by sponsoring a child and ensuring they will receive a gift this holiday season. Individual gifts can also be donated if you do not have the resources to sponsor a child or family. The children’s wish lists can be picked up in the Office of Student Organizations and Activities, Suite A154, in the Gatton Student Center throughout November from 8 a.m-5 p.m. They can also be picked up from tables in the Gatton Student Center or White Hall Classroom Building from 10 a.m-1 p.m. during various days in November.

For further questions please contact Elizabeth Medina at elizabeth.medina@uky.edu or call 859-257-3110.