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Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2022) — What started as a class project turned into a collaboration that would bring Kentucky children toys for the holidays. The Cat’s Holiday Toy Drive, led by a group of University of Kentucky student-athletes, has partnered with First Lady Britain’s Beshear to collect new toys and books for children affected by the devastating floods in eastern Kentucky.
“I want to make sure these kids know that even if Christmas looks a little different this year, Santa will still be coming to visit them,” the first lady said. “So like last year in Western Kentucky, I’m announcing a toy drive where people across our commonwealth — and people around the country — can donate gifts.”
Student-athletes, including William Nulty (football), Quintin Wilson (football), Sydney Steely (track and field), Leslie Kiesling (women’s soccer) and graduate assistants Maleah Abner, Brinkley Burch and Sam Grant, created the toy drive. The final project of his supervision of sports and fitness personnel class. Justin Nichols, Ph.D. A class taught by assigned student-athletes to create a community service initiative that included planning, staffing, directing/leading and evaluating their project.
“When Dr. When Nichols was assigned this ‘good works’ project, one of the first things that came to mind was trying to find a way to give to those affected by the recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky. “Being a resident of Kentucky my entire life, it was a complete no-brainer for me to find a way to give back to the commonwealth,” Abner said.. “For me, Christmas morning holds a special place in my heart. Knowing that I can provide a child with that same feeling and memories of Christmas past is something indescribable.
After deciding to give to the flood victims, the next decision the students had to make was how. How was the decision?
“We started things off with a bin donation from one of the Lexington Home Depots. From there, we set up these bins in different locations that we all connected to the athletic buildings and the building that our class is in. After that, we started doing some events like going to UK soccer games and collecting toys from their fans and going to various student organizations in campus meetings to explain our initiative and how they can get involved,” Abner said.
A collection event is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at Kroger Field near Gate 12 to drop off gifts. However, donation bins are currently set up near the Fresh Food Company, at The 90, and also in the Gayton Student Center near the Fireside Lounge.
“Personally, it’s been really amazing to see so many people from all over the country come together to help these kids through the holiday season,” Abner said. “Here we are… a few months later and now we’re able to partner with First Lady Beshear. It’s a dream to say those words! I never thought this little class project with friends would turn into over 500 toys and counting.”
For more information about the Cats Holiday Toy Drive, follow @catsholidaytoydrive on Facebook and Instagram.
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