It’s not always easy being green with a puppy in the house, but it is important

My wife and I were fortunate enough back in November to adopt a beautiful golden retriever that we named Bailey. She just hit the four-month-old mark and is constantly keeping us on our toes as we have adapted our lives around her.

What was once an easy process of getting up and getting ready in the morning now includes an extra meal to be served, walks when the weather is nice and several trips outside to let her do her business. We can’t leave anything on the floor now as she loves to take socks and shoes into her mouth and prance right past us, as if to show off her new chew toys.

 

Bailey (Photo provided)

And as she grows, no food is safe, whether it’s on the coffee table, the dining room table or the counters in our kitchen. Basically everything we do around our house has to be thought about from a new perspective, which is: Can the puppy get to this and if so, will she either try to eat it or destroy it? Needless to say it has been quite an adventure.

As an environmental educator, though, it has also forced me to think about dog ownership from an environmental standpoint. One of the most common thoughts regarding dog ownership, especially with dogs, is their waste. Most people in Lexington are aware that it is law that you must clean up after your dogs on a walk and that you can be cited if you don’t.

What most don’t know is why this is so important. During a rain event, or perhaps through some other means, a lot of that waste ends up in our roads, which means that it eventually washes into our storm drains. Unfortunately, the water that ends up down these drains isn’t cleaned or filtered and, instead, flows directly into streams and creeks throughout the city.

As the waste builds up in these areas it starts to have a negative impact on our water. The waste can spread disease and bacteria as it sits in areas where it shouldn’t or as it flows in the water. That can have a negative impact on the quality of the water itself, putting additional material in the water that can throw off the different components that make up water quality.

Needless to say picking up after a pet is a fantastic way for dog lovers to have a direct impact on their local environment. Here are some other ideas on how to be a green pet owner:

  • When it’s warm out and you’re bathing your dog, rather than running the hose nonstop, fill up a bucket or kiddie pool.
  • If a toy has fallen out of favor, rather than throwing it away, try to find someone else to take it or donate it to a shelter.
  • Likewise, old blankets and towels are always needed at local animal shelters.
  • If you prefer to leave the TV on for the pet at home for the noise, either put it on a timer or try using a radio instead.

As we continue our journey as dog parents I am sure there will be many more lessons either taught or learned from experience, and I hope that finding new ways to limit our environmental impact is one of them.

 

1 Ryan.KYForward

Ryan Farley serves Bluegrass Greensource in a hybrid role, working as an environmental educator with several outreach specialist responsibilities. Ryan received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgetown College and a master’s in recreation and park administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He has worked at wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Texas and with Kentucky 4-H in various roles. Farley provides educational programs to several Fayette County schools and works with downtown businesses and the greater Lexington community to educate and empower residents to become better environmental stewards.

This article appeared in KY Forward on February 13, 2014. 

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February Newsletter

iGreenValentines

True Love Goes Green

Let’s show some love for our planet and make this Valentine’s Day green!  We’ve got some ideas that will keep the romance alive and the energy waste minimal.  From buying that box of chocolates to planning the day, here are some tips for every couple.

To save the planet and money, plan a romantic energy saving evening at home.  Turn down the thermostat and snuggle up to your loved one under a blanket for a romantic film or a quiet evening in front of the fireplace.  Leave the car in the driveway and have dinner at home too.  When planning dinner, consider incorporating local produce and/or local products. Your bottle of red or white may taste of fruit, chocolate, oak – but can you detect the hint of a healthier planet?Try an organic or local wine.

Set the mood, and lose the electronics for a night.  Take some time to connect with each other.  Unplug all unnecessary appliances.  Turn off your cell and the computers and turn down the lights.  Soy or beeswax candles can create a romantic energy-saving ambiance.  Whether it be dinner by candlelight or drinks at sunset, soft lighting affects our emotions. Studies suggest that soft lighting evokes a calm feeling throughout our body and can also send the message of beauty, tranquility, and romance.

When you are getting ready for your night in, go ahead and get all dolled up with some eco-friendly products.  Blow dryers use a lot of electricity, so consider letting your locks go au naturale.

Many gifts have unique and valuable stories that can add to your relationship and help the world around you.  Many companies are now making gifts from recycled materials.  Instead of those cliche roses, try getting your significant other a seasonal arrangement of local blooms or a beautiful native potted plant.

Whether your love stands tall or is just beginning to bud, planting a tree is a great way to honor it and a meaningful gift that will last. The tree’s life is like the life of your love, and we don’t mean that in a cheesy way.  Trees also help reduce stormwater pollution while keeping your neighborhood looking great.

If your relationship is not quite ready for a tree, go for some organic fair trade chocolates or a homemade card.

We hope you will try some of these tips this Valentine’s Day!  Remember, true love goes green!  For more ideas on greening your Valentine’s Day, check out the Sierra’s Club Valentine’s Day page.

 

 

Image courtesy of Snohomish Health District
Image courtesy of Snohomish Health District

Septic System Woes?

Did you know that a failing septic system can require expensive repairs, pose a serious health risk to your family and neighbors, and have negative impacts on water quality?  Bluegrass Greensource awarded five Garrard County homeowners cost-share grants to repair or install septic systems at their homes.  Each grant will pay 80% of the repair or installation cost, while the homeowner is responsible for the remaining 20%.

To be eligible for the grants, homeowners must reside within the Dix River watershed in Boyle, Garrard, or Lincoln Counties and must attend a one-hour workshop about septic system care and maintenance.  Following the workshop, participants can apply for a cost-share grant for system repairs or installation, or for a free septic tank pump out (a regular maintenance task that is recommended every 3 to 5 years).

The next free septic system workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 4th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Junction City Community Center (724 W. Shelby Street).  Please contact Sandy Bottoms at sandy@bggreensource.org or (859) 266-1572 to register!

Bluegrass Greensource will offer a series of free septic workshops over the next two years, as well as a series of watershed awareness festivals in local communities and water-related activities in area K-12 classrooms.  These activities are part of a grant program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act through the Kentucky Division of Water. 

 

 

Science Fair

Robots, Raptors and Race Cars, Oh My!

What do robots, raptors, and race cars have in common?  These were just a few of the hands-on activities available to students at the 30th annual 16th District Science Fair. While the 690 participating students were waiting for the judging and the awarding portions of the fair, they were treated to amazing activities and educational information from over 30 community exhibitors at Science Sensation.  

All of the exhibitors contributed exceptional learning opportunities to the Science Fair.   Delta Sigma Theta Sorority gave students the opportunity to handle brain samples, a fetal pig, and horse eyeballs.  Newton’s Attic kept the students occupied with a robot that students controlled to shoot a basketball through a hoop.  Buckley Hills Audubon Society drew a large crowd with their bald eagle and owl exhibit.  Rosie the Recycling Bin and Louie the Lightning Bug greeted students reminding them to recycle and conserve energy.

Showing practical applications of science, Bluegrass Greensource helped the Science Fair become more environmentally friendly by incorporating recycling into the event.  This year’s fair featured dual stream containers to collect waste.  Each container was labeled with items at the fair that are recyclable and over 25 pound of recyclable waste was recovered!

Bluegrass Greensource would like to thank Kentucky American Water, Bryan Station High School, the 150 volunteers, the exhibitors, the students and their families that made this day possible.

The 16th District Science Fair is a collaboration between Fayette County Public Schools and Kentucky American Water.  Bluegrass Greensource is contracted through KAW to organize the Science Sensation portion of the science fair.

 

 

LCMS - Energy Team  - 2nd AuditBoyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Walmart Foundation, Bluegrass Greensource will be able to expand our successful WasteBuster Program to schools in Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties.   The goal of this program will be to increase school wide recycling, improve learning and save the school systems money.  

The WasteBuster Program is an expansion of a program we successfully completed in Anderson, Garrard, Lincoln and Jessamine counties, and mirrors the award winning LiveGreenLexington Partner Schools Program in Fayette County.  In each of these counties, school districts have shown increased recycling rates, reduction in their landfill bound waste, and improved student test scores.  Fayette County has also shown a significant cost savings because of their participation.

Bluegrass Greensource educators will work with principals, custodians, cafeteria mangers and teachers to provide recycling bins, conduct waste audits, and work with students in the classroom.  Greensource educators will facilitate hands on classroom activities to educate students about recyclable items and waste reduction practices they can implement at their schools.  All participating schools in Boyle, Clark and Madison also have the opportunity to apply for a waste reduction grant to implement specific initiatives in their school.

Bluegrass Greensource is excited about the opportunity to work with schools, staff and students in these three counties!  If you are a teacher in Boyle, Clark or Madison County and would like to participate, please contact Blair@bgGreensource.org.  

 


 

post image

 


 

 

 

Get Outside pictures

 

Over 100 pledged to Get Outdoors in 2014 through our annual New Year’s Resolution Program, and Bluegrass Greensource would like to congratulate Joshua Saxton for winning the $100 gift card from Kentucky State Parks!

We would like to thank the following people who agreed to publically commit to  Get Outdoors in 2014 — Stephanie Vihlidal, Kenna Phelps, Laurie Davison, Lauren Monahan, Shanda Cecil, Christina Zavos, Melinda W., Ashley Osborne, Roberta Burnes, Alyse Garrard, Kenya Stump, Burley Thomas, Lori Minter, Eric Comley, Robin Stewart, Jamison Barton, Tracy C, Suzanna Weisenfeld, Beth Kelly, Nicholas Larkey, Jeri Howell, Hannelore Elliot, Tanya Ewing, Gayle Bourne, Linda Johnson, Mark Tower, Trudy Robards, Leann Brown, Chris Tyler, Charlie Lanter, Joyce Fister-Daley, Rachel Ford, Sabrina Oaks, Karen Hatter, Melody, Jaci Williams, Kathryn Turbek, Amy Sohner, Gene Slusher, Storey Slone, Chris Woolery, Eamonn FritzGerald, Amanda Black, Jennifer Mitchell, Bill Settles, Joey Svec, Joshua Saxton, Ashley, Mike Reed, Anita Courtney, Paula Dunn, Dawna Scripps, Cheryl Pena, and Jan McKinney. 

 


Thank you for signing up to receive our newsletter. If you have any questions or comments about this issue, please contact us at info@bggreensource.org.

Sincerely,
Amy Sohner
Executive Director
Bluegrass Greensource

 

 

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Over 100 pledged to Get Outdoors in 2014

Get Outside pictures

 

Over 100 pledged to Get Outdoors in 2014 through our annual New Year’s Resolution Program, and Bluegrass Greensource would like to congratulate Joshua Saxton for winning the $100 gift card from Kentucky State Parks!

We would like to thank the following people who agreed to publically commit to  Get Outdoors in 2014 — Stephanie Vihlidal, Kenna Phelps, Laurie Davison, Lauren Monahan, Shanda Cecil, Christina Zavos, Melinda W., Ashley Osborne, Roberta Burnes, Alyse Garrard, Kenya Stump, Burley Thomas, Lori Minter, Eric Comley, Robin Stewart, Jamison Barton, Tracy C, Suzanna Weisenfeld, Beth Kelly, Nicholas Larkey, Jeri Howell, Hannelore Elliot, Tanya Ewing, Gayle Bourne, Linda Johnson, Mark Tower, Trudy Robards, Leann Brown, Chris Tyler, Charlie Lanter, Joyce Fister-Daley, Rachel Ford, Sabrina Oaks, Karen Hatter, Melody, Jaci Williams, Kathryn Turbek, Amy Sohner, Gene Slusher, Storey Slone, Chris Woolery, Eamonn FritzGerald, Amanda Black, Jennifer Mitchell, Bill Settles, Joey Svec, Joshua Saxton, Ashley, Mike Reed, Anita Courtney, Paula Dunn, Dawna Scripps, Cheryl Pena, and Jan McKinney.

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True Love Goes Green

iGreenValentinesTrue Love Goes Green

Let’s show some love for our planet and make this Valentine’s Day green! We’ve got some ideas that will keep the romance alive and the energy waste minimal.  From buying that box of chocolates to planning the day,  here are some tips for every couple.

To save the planet and money, plan a romantic energy saving evening at home.  Turn down the thermostat and snuggle up to your loved one under a blanket for a romantic film or a quiet evening in front of the fireplace.  Leave the car in the driveway and have dinner at home too.  When planning dinner, consider incorporating local produce and/or local products. Your bottle of red or white may taste of fruit, chocolate, oak – but can you detect the hint of a healthier planet? Try an organic or local wine.

Set the mood and lose the electronics for a night.  Take some time to connect with each other.  Unplug all unnecessary appliances.  Turn off your cell and the computers and turn down the lights.  Soy or beeswax candles can create a romantic energy-saving ambiance.  Whether it be dinner by candlelight or drinks at sunset, soft lighting affects our emotions. Studies suggest that soft lighting evokes a calm feeling throughout our body and can also send the message of beauty, tranquility, and romance.

When you are getting ready for your night in, go ahead and get all dolled up with some eco-friendly products.  Blow dryers use a lot of electricity, so consider letting your locks go au naturale.

Many gifts have unique and valuable stories that can add to your relationship and help the world around you.  Many companies are now making gifts from recycled materials.  Instead of those cliche roses, try getting your significant other a seasonal arrangement of local blooms or a beautiful native potted plant.

Whether your love stands tall or is just beginning to bud, planting a tree is a great way to honor it and a meaningful gift that will last. The tree’s life is like the life of your love, and we don’t mean that in a cheesy way.  Trees also help reduce stormwater pollution while keeping your neighborhood looking great.

If your relationship is not quite ready for a tree, go for some organic fair trade chocolates or a homemade card.

We hope you will try some of these tips this Valentine’s Day!  Remember, true love goes green!  For more ideas on greening your Valentine’s Day, check out the Sierra’s Club Valentine’s Day page.

 

READ MORE

16th District Science Fair

Science FairRobots, Raptors and Race Cars, Oh My!

What do robots, raptors, and race cars have in common?  These were just a few of the hands-on activities available to students at the 30th annual 16th District Science Fair. While the 690 participating students were waiting for the judging and the awarding portions of the fair, they were treated to amazing activities and educational information from over 30 community exhibitors at Science Sensation.  

All of the exhibitors contributed exceptional learning opportunities to the Science Fair.   Delta Sigma Theta Sorority gave students the opportunity to handle brain samples, a fetal pig, and horse eyeballs.  Newton’s Attic kept the students occupied with a robot that students controlled to shoot a basketball through a hoop.  Buckley Hills Audubon Society drew a large crowd with their bald eagle and owl exhibit.  Rosie the Recycling Bin and Louie the Lightning Bug greeted students reminding them to recycle and conserve energy.

Showing practical applications of science, Bluegrass Greensource helped the Science Fair become more environmentally friendly by incorporating recycling into the event.  This year’s fair featured dual stream containers to collect waste.  Each container was labeled with items at the fair that are recyclable and over 25 pound of recyclable waste was recovered!

Bluegrass Greensource would like to thank Kentucky American Water, Bryan Station High School, the 150 volunteers, the exhibitors, the students and their families that made this day possible.

The 16th District Science Fair is a collaboration between Fayette County Public Schools and Kentucky American Water.  Bluegrass Greensource is contracted through KAW to organize the Science Sensation portion of the science fair.

 

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Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

LCMS - Energy Team  - 2nd Audit

Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Walmart Foundation, Bluegrass Greensource will be able to expand our successful WasteBuster Program to schools in Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties.   The goal of this program will be to increase school wide recycling, improve learning and save the school systems money.  

The WasteBuster Program is an expansion of a program we successfully completed in Anderson, Garrard, Lincoln and Jessamine counties, and mirrors the award winning LiveGreenLexington Partner Schools Program in Fayette County.  In each of these counties, school districts have shown increased recycling rates, reduction in their landfill bound waste, and improved student test scores.  Fayette County has also shown a significant cost savings because of their participation.

Bluegrass Greensource educators will work with principals, custodians, cafeteria mangers and teachers to provide recycling bins, conduct waste audits, and work with students in the classroom.  Greensource educators will facilitate hands on classroom activities to educate students about recyclable items and waste reduction practices they can implement at their schools.  All participating schools in Boyle, Clark and Madison also have the opportunity to apply for a waste reduction grant to implement specific initiatives in their school.

Bluegrass Greensource is excited about the opportunity to work with schools, staff and students in these three counties!  If you are a teacher in Boyle, Clark or Madison County and would like to participate, please contact Blair@bgGreensource.org.  

 

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Septic System Grants

septic_slide2

Septic System Woes?

Did you know that a failing septic system can require expensive repairs, pose a serious health risk to your family and neighbors, and have negative impacts on water quality?  Bluegrass Greensource awarded five Garrard County homeowners cost-share grants to repair or install septic systems at their homes.  Each grant will pay 80% of the repair or installation cost, while the homeowner is responsible for the remaining 20%. 

To be eligible for the grants, homeowners must reside within the Dix River watershed in Boyle, Garrard, or Lincoln Counties and must attend a one-hour workshop about septic system care and maintenance.  Following the workshop, participants can apply for a cost-share grant for system repairs or installation, or for a free septic tank pump out (a regular maintenance task that is recommended every 3 to 5 years).

The next free septic system workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 4th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Junction City Community Center (724 W. Shelby Street).  Please contact Sandy Bottoms at sandy@bggreensource.org or (859) 266-1572 to register!

Bluegrass Greensource will offer a series of free septic workshops over the next two years, as well as a series of watershed awareness festivals in local communities and water-related activities in area K-12 classrooms.  These activities are part of a grant program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act through the Kentucky Division of Water. 

 

 

 

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Septic Workshop

Going Green Can Save You Green

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government with Bluegrass Greensource will be hosting the 5th annual Go Green, Save Green Workshop on March 20, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the BCTC Newtown Campus at 500 Newtown Pike. This one-day workshop will provide you with the know-how to make your business more environmentally friendly while saving you money.

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to network with sustainability professionals and learn more about steps your business can take to save energy, improve water quality, reduce waste, while reducing your costs.

“As a small business owner, I really learned a lot of budget-friendly green ideas,” states Jana, a past-attendee. “This workshop always has great information for anyone looking to do things a little bit more ‘green’ and it’s a good chance to see what others are doing too.”

Whether you’re just getting started, implementing eco-friendly practices at your business or you’re a seasoned sustainability professional; there are sessions to fit all your needs, including specialized tracks for:

  • Industrial businesses
  • Small businesses/Start-ups
  • Bars/restaurants
  • Non-profits
  • Religious institutions/Faith community
  • Apartment and Property management
  • LEED Design (Fulfills continuing education credits for USGBC)
  • Your Business!

This year, we have partnered with the Kentucky US Green Building Council to expand our offerings, including sessions that will provide continuing education credits for LEED professionals.

The cost to attend is $25 and covers entrance to all the sessions, a zero-waste breakfast and catered lunch, a tour of the LEED Certified BCTC Newtown Campus, chances to win door prizes (including a Haiku Fan from Big Ass Fans), and an invitation to the Happy Hour at Blue Stallion Brewing Company. Parking is free and conveniently accessible.  To register, please visit ggsg.eventbrite.com.

Vendor opportunities are also available; please contact Lisa Conley or Schuyler Warren at (859) 266-1572 for more details.

To download a Go Green Save Green Workshop poster, click here.

 

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Staying active outdoors this winter is challenging but worth the effort

Winter has always posed a challenge to staying active outdoors, and this winter is particularly so with all the snow, ice and frigid temperatures we’ve had. But meeting that challenge head on is well worth the effort.

Research has shown that the more often we find ourselves outdoors and enjoying nature, the happier we tend to be. A 2013 article from the New York Times Health and Wellness blog discussed how exposure to plants is not only a stress reliever, but also seems to raise levels of white blood cells.

 

(Photo from

(Photo from Dreamstime.com)

Other research, including sources such as the Harvard Health Letter, has shown that being outdoors raises vitamin D levels, which lift one’s mood and fights cancer, depression and heart disease. Over the years peer reviewed research has also examined how increasing the time spent playing in nature for children with ADHD has improved their ability to concentrate and focus.

When the mercury keeps dipping into the negatives it raises questions for us. How can we benefit from the outdoors if we choose to? What do we do with ourselves and family members if we’re going to be stuck indoors more than we’d like? What can we do to help members of our community who might find themselves homeless or overexposed to the elements?

Tips on benefiting from the outdoors when you’d rather be inside:

Many of us have vowed that 2014 will be the year when we get back in shape for good. If walking or running outdoors was part of your new workout plan but you’re finding it unbearable to brave the cold, don’t give up yet. The key to keeping up an outdoor workout plan is all in the clothing. When I first started running I was shocked to find out that running in 40 degrees is actually a pretty perfect temperature with the right apparel. Running tights, thick socks, long sleeved sweat-wicking shirts and jackets, and thick gloves and hats made the runs surprisingly refreshing.

When the temperatures fall somewhere in between 30 and 40 degrees F, hats with built-in face masks are perfect (I have a neon yellow Carhartt one that was affordable and works well). Hats like these also keep your breath warm by filtering it which is good if you have exercise-induced asthma and the cold makes you wheezy. You’ll get used to the strange looks from passersby and like a recent commercial, it might be best to remove the mask when you enter a gas station, but all in all, running or walking in the cold can be done.

If the temps dip below the teens, however, it might be better to take your workout indoors and enjoy nature through a window from the confines of your cozy recliner because few pieces of clothing can make minus-9 degrees bearable.

Happy-making projects for yourself and your family:

When it is simply too cold to get out, workout videos can keep your cardio on track and you on your way to fulfilling those healthy resolutions. A yoga video in the living room can be just as fun as a group workout at your gym, and making time during work can bring a welcome change.

During our break, my co-workers and I have recently been doing a group exercise called “7-Minute Workout.” You can find it as a smart phone app or a video on Youtube. Many a cold gray day has been improved by our micro-workout and it is a fun activity since we usually end up laughing at ourselves as we do “high knees/running in place” and “side-plank.” We leave our conference room a little bit warmer, a little more refreshed and ready to dive back into work.

During the weekends and evenings it is far too easy to veg out and binge-watch shows such as Game of Thrones (admittedly fun, but leaves one feeling sloth-like), so making a list of projects to do can kickstart those creative juices. I promised myself I will complete at least 5 items from my Pinterest crafts page in 2014. Other things such as creating healthy meals and decadent desserts from recipes I have saved are also on the to-do list.

Purging/organizing is also a great indoor activity that helps refresh both one’s living space and one’s head space. I have been streamlining our apartment and getting rid of clothing and items that have accumulated in our closets. Coats, warm clothing, gloves, and scarves have been donated to local organizations such as the Hope Center and The Nest.

Organizing a clothing or home goods swap with friends is also a great, free way to get rid of stuff you’re tired of, while getting new-to-you things you might need. My newly de-cluttered space feels larger and leaves me feeling more free and inspired.

The following are great links to bookmark for the next time you and your family have a lot of indoor time on your hands:

50 Fun Winter Activities from Real Simple Magazine

31 Things for Kids to Do During Winter Break from No Time for Flashcards

29 Things to do Indoors this Winter from Minnesota’s Examiner

Winter learning activities from Scholastic

Themed winter crafts by Activity Village

 

Helping others endure the cold:

While complaining about the temperature, I have thought of the members of my community who have little choice but to endure the cold. For those without homes or who lack adequate housing, there are actions we can take to help.

Donating warm clothing, in good condition, to local shelters and nonperishables to local food banks will fill a need that increases exponentially with the cold. If you cannot donate monetarily, the following locations accept donations and are in need of the following items:

The Hope Center – Donations can be dropped at: 360 W Loudon Ave, Lexington. Currently in need of coats, cold weather clothing, thermal underwear, socks, gloves, hats and unopened hygiene products.

The Catholic Action Center – Donations can be dropped at: 614 E. 7th St., Lexington (10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Saturday). Currently in need of laundry detergent, coffee, creamer/sugar, large garbage bags, bleach, cleaning supplies and toilet paper.

The Salvation Army – Donations can be dropped at: 736 W. Main St., Lexington. Currently in need of canned meats (tuna, chicken), beef stew and soups, pasta and spaghetti sauce, breakfast cereals, peanut butter, canned green vegetables, canned fruits and juices, clothing in good condition, diapers (all sizes), personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant), and household items for shelter residents who move into a home, such as toasters, microwaves, linens.

God’s Pantry – Main warehouse is at 1685 Jaggie Fox Way, Lexington (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-12 noon on Fridays). Any nonperishable food item is appreciated. Residents of Fayette County can also make their donations at any Kroger location by placing the food in the donation barrel near the customer service desk or exit.

 

Lisa-Conley-300x203Lisa Conley is an outreach specialist for Bluegrass Greensource.

This article appeared in KY Forward on February 6, 2014.

 

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