Nov. 18, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. –  Kentucky women’s basketball is known for its high intensity style on the court, but this Thanksgiving the nationally-ranked Wildcats will take on a new challenge with just as much vigor: helping the less fortunate.

In the spirit of the holiday season, UK Hoops is undertaking a service project, which encourages the Big Blue Nation to give back to less fortunate members of the Lexington community.

During the Wildcats’ next two home games, Thursday, Nov. 21 vs. Lipscomb at 7 p.m. ET and Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Bradley at Noon, fans are asked to bring unused toiletry items travel size or regular size (tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant) to either game. The items will be donated to Bluegrass Hospitality Group’s Thanksgiving Dinner for the less fortunate, which will take place on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28) from 11-2 p.m. ET at Malone’s and Sal’s on Tates Creek Road.

Fans who donate items will receive a voucher for a free box of popcorn with their donation. Fans can bring their toiletry items to any of the UK Marketing gazebos located inside Memorial Coliseum.

Head coach Matthew Mitchell is also doing his part to encourage giving back to the community.

Mitchell is purchasing 2,000 sets of winter hats and gloves to be distributed at the Thanksgiving Dinner and other community outreach projects. Those attending the lunch will be given a free ticket and a food voucher for a 2013-14 women’s basketball home contest of their choice.

“Jenna and I are so thankful to be a part of this community,” Mitchell said. “Lexington is such a giving community and we are constantly inspired to find ways to give back. During this time of Thanksgiving and with the cold, winter months approaching, we thought this would be a great way to get involved with helping those in need in our great community. We hope everyone who can, will bring unused toiletry items to our next two home games and help people in our community.”