Giving Back this Holiday Season: Warm Hearts, and Other Opportunities to Help Out in Lexington Over the Holiday Season
by John Fiske
Forcht Bank, headquartered in Hamburg on Sir Barton, will continue its Warm Hearts campaign this year with a collection of gloves, hats, scarves and coats for children in need. Forcht Bank President Tucker Ballinger says, “helping the children in our communities stay warm during the cold winter months is a priority for Forcht Bank. After the success of last year’s glove drive, we had requests for coats, hats, and scarves, so we decided to collect any new garment that would help kids stay warm.” All 30 banking centers statewide will hold collection bins for the items through December 31st. Lexington donations can be made via the drop boxes in the lobbies of the Hamburg location on 2404 Sir Barton Way, the Lansdowne location on 3358 Tates Creek Road, and the North Park location on 506 W. New Circle Road.
Starting January 2nd, the clothing will be distributed to different school resource centers and local charities. Last year, Forcht Bank donated almost 10,000 pairs of gloves to children in need during the winter months. In addition to the clothing drive, Forcht Bank will donate $10 for every checking account opened during the clothing drive. Proceeds from the donation will go toward purchasing additional winter wear for the children in need.
The Lexington Firefighters will continue their annual “Firefighter Toy Program,” benefiting children in Lexington. Through December 10, toy and monetary donations will be accepted at each Lexington Fire Station. On December 6th at 2 pm, an auction will be held to raise funds for the toy program. For more information on the program, as well as the auction, contact the Fraternal Order of Firefighters at 859-523-9567.
Hill-N-Dale Christian Church is holding a “Shoes for the Streets” campaign in an effort to provide shoes for the homeless in Lexington. Donations can be brought to 371 Hill N Dale Rd., between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. All gently worn shoes are accepted, as well as monetary donations to go toward purchasing shoes. Call 859-278-0313 for more information on the drive.
The Catholic Action Center will hold its 19th annual Faith & Community Christmas Store at Southland Christian Church on Richmond Rd., on December 17th, 18th, and 19th, between 8 am and 8 pm. Collection containers will be placed throughout Lexington, and volunteers are needed for set up, as well as to work the store. More information can be found at the official website, http://www.godsnet.info/
An American tradition since 1891: the Salvation Army will hold its annual Red Kettle Drive through December 24th.
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland, PLLC are teaming up for the annual CASA Angel Tree campaign to collect gifts for abused and neglected children. Envelopes on the tree will include information on a child’s needs and a “wish list.” You can visit the tree located in the lobby of Chase Tower before December 5. Donation ornaments will be available on the tree or you can visit http://www.lexingtoncasa.com and make a donation online.
The Fayette Mall, in partnership with the Salvation Army will hold an Angel Tree, through which you can make a child’s Christmas come true. Children write down their Christmas wishes on tags, and volunteers can pick up a tag and provide the gift it asks for. Tags will be available at the Fayette Mall starting November 21st.
Between November 17th and November 21st, Sportsman’s Warehouse, in partnership with God’s Pantry will accept toy and food donations. Stop by the store located at 2200 War Admiral Way, with donations between 6 am and 7 pm to benefit Central Kentucky this Christmas. Call 859-253-5936 for additional information on donations.
God’s Pantry is partnering with Lexington’s Bluegrass Hospitality Group this year. All giftcard purchases made at givebhg.com between November 28th and December 24th provide God’s Pantry with a 20% donation through an online purchase of the gift card.
Through December 19th, LexPark will hold the first ever “Food for Fines” drive, allowing those with parking meter fines to exchange 10 canned goods for each parking ticket. Donations can be brought to the LexPark office at 122 N. Broadway. All donations go to God’s Pantry Food Bank.
Workout Anytime will be putting up an Angel Tree to support the Salvation Army. The Christmas tree will feature 100 ornamental tags with kids’ Christmas wish lists. Gym members are invited to purchase the gifts and place them under the tree to be delivered to the Salvation Army.
If your organization is giving back this holiday season, email info to info@hamburgjournal.com.
