LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Lexington church is in the middle of their annual toy drive, and this year they are targeting a specific community: homeless children in Fayette County.
According to Fayette County Public Schools, there are currently 550 children in the district who qualify as homeless, and they say that number is growing every day. Lima Drive SDA Church is collecting toys to be donated to children all across the community, but they will specifically take care of those kids in need at both Booker T. Washington and Harrison Elementary Schools. Fayette County Public Schools' Homeless Education Liaison, James Hodge, said this kind of help is very much needed.
"We have a lot of students who are displaced, and during that transition period of displacement things are left behind. They don't have what a lot of other students may have, and when we are looking at Christmas time we want to make sure their day is filled with joy and happiness as well, " Hodge said.
Pastor Winston Taylor of Lima Drive SDA Church said their hope is to do so much more than put toys in kids' hands but rather change their lives.
"Our goal at this church is to become friends with the community so we are able to share with them information that they can make better choices, they can rest better, they can have great active lives, " Taylor said.
If you'd like to help, new toys can be dropped off by December 12th at: New York Fashions 1650 Bryan Station Road; Popeyes 115 E. New Circle Road; Sprint 524 W. New Circle Road.
Lima Drive SDA Church is also hosting a Thanksgiving meal on November 23rd from 11:30am-2:30pm. All are invited to attend.
