Wednesday January 28, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
The holiday season is a reminder that the coldness of winter is at hand. In the cold months ahead, there are children in Metro Louisville in need of a warm coat or jacket.
The Louisville Metro Council is encouraging every person and business in Louisville Metro to join the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council and United Auto Workers and donate a new coat or jacket to a child in need.
“This is the season of giving and there are children in our area who need our help in staying warm this winter,” says President David Yates (D-25). “I am asking every business in our city to join our efforts this holiday. I thank the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council and the UAW for partnering with the entire Metro Council to help our community.”
The goal of the coat drive is to accept as many new coats for children as possible.
The Greater Louisville Central Labor Council and the UAW are partnering with the Louisville Metro Council with a donation of 100 new puffer jackets to be distributed to children throughout our community. Craig and Landreth Cars, Miller Transportation, Shirley’s Way, ESPN Radio 680 Louisville and Miss Jefferson County Scholarship Organization, Inc. have been working together to purchase additional new coats to contribute to this community effort.
Greater Louisville Central Labor Council President and local chapter of the United Auto Workers President Todd Dunn says, “In our community, too many families have a large problem fulfilling the basic need of warmth. This problem is larger than any one of us, that’s why our union family is proud to do our part and join together to provide warmth and a little Christmas spirit.”
On Tuesday, December 19th at 10:00am in the 3rd Floor Council Chambers of Historic City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street, the Metro Council will welcome representatives from each of the businesses and organizations to stand together and to distribute the donated coats to representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio will accept the donated coats and ensure they are given to the students of JCPS schools that need them the most.
“On behalf of JCPS students and their families, I’d like to thank Council President Yates and the Louisville Metro Council for donating coats to our students in need,” said JCPS Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. “These coats will go directly to our students who need them the most. We know that when students have their basic needs met, they are more likely to attend school and be engaged in the classroom.”
After December 19th, the Metro Council will continue to accept new coats. All donations should be addressed to the Office of the President and can be dropped off on the first floor of City Hall.
For more information on how to donate a coat or be a part of the December 19th event, please contact President David Yates’ office at 502-574-1125 or via email at David.Yates@louisvilleky.gov.
The Metro Council thanks all of the great businesses and organizations working together to help the children in our community.
Mike Mulrooney with Shirley’s Way:
“Shirley’s Way is 100% behind the Metro Council and President Yates and will collect as many new coats from our Shirley’s Way family to help make sure all kids in our community stay warm this year.”
Greg Miller with Miller Transportation:
“We are especially thankful to be given this opportunity to support our city. Miller Transportation is a local, family-owned business. We will do everything we can to support the children in our community.”
Chris Hiser with Craig & Landreth Cars:
“When our friend David Yates contacted us to help our community we at Craig & Landreth were more than happy to step up. We support the Metro Council and the other great businesses and organizations for pitching in for this great cause.”
Dawn Yates with ESPN Radio 680 Louisville:
“ESPN is thrilled to provide over fifty new coats to the children all over Louisville. We are dedicated to our great sports fans and listeners throughout the city this winter season.”
In an effort to ensure Louisville’s public art and monuments not only tell our history but also showcase our community values, Mayor Greg Fischer announced steps to establish principles for such works, while creating additional opportunities for artists to explore issues of race, discrimination, xenophobia and values.
“Art plays an important role in not only telling the stories of our past but vividly highlighting who we are and who we want to be,” Mayor Fischer said. “2017 has highlighted the immense amount of work left to do to create a country where liberty and justice are enjoyed by all citizens, regardless of race or creed.”
The city’s plan includes:
Mayoral Advisory Committee to Establish Principles for Louisville’s Public Art and Monuments: This newcommittee will begin work in January 2018 on what is estimated to be a six-month process. The committee members will be appointed by the Mayor and include representation from the city’s Commission on Public Art (COPA). Members will determine their meeting schedule and methods; meetings will be open to the public. The culmination of the Committee’s work will be a report to the Mayor.
Reclaiming Public Spaces for Untold Stories Louisville Public Space Art Fund Grant Opportunity: Recent community conversation and public input have highlighted the need for artwork that celebrates Louisville’s current cultural values. Through funds allocated via the fee-in-lieu option in the Land Development Code, COPA will offer a grant opportunity, inviting artists and nonprofit organizations to submit public art proposals that focus on untold stories and reflect our community’s current cultural values. Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is also looking for community and foundation partners to grow this fund and expand the work.
Metro Hall Rotunda Art Exhibition: For the past several years, LMG has contracted with Louisville Visual Art to curate and install exhibitions of local artists’ work in public spaces within Metro Hall. The 2018 exhibition provides a timely opportunity to utilize this platform for art exhibits, and an exhibition titled “HEROES” will include artwork that responds to historical and present injustice and our community’s future, with visual representations of everyday heroes by Louisville-based artists. A public event will be held to introduce the artists and encourage discussion of their works.
Additional programming and events that give Louisvillians the opportunity to learn, discuss and explore the history around race and discrimination in our city and nation will be announced early next year, the Mayor said.
These efforts continue the Mayor’s nationally recognized work in building Louisville as an international city through the Office for Globalization and as a showcase city for racial equity through programs like BeTheOne, Black Male Achievement, Louisville Promise and many others.
“It’s important to remember that we are not responsible for a history created before we were born or when we were children,” Mayor Fischer said. “We are responsible for knowing that history, understanding its impact, and creating our own legacy for the people of Louisville today, tomorrow and beyond. I believe these efforts will make us stronger.”
The Louisville Metro Council has selected Vitalis Lanshima as the new District 21 Councilman from a field of 13 applicants during its regular meeting on Thursday, December 14th.
“I want to thank you for this opportunity and I am here to serve the people of my district,” said Lanshima following the vote. “This is realizing the American dream for me.”
He took the oath of office with his wife Beth by his side. The Oath was administered by Jefferson District Court Judge Jessica Moore.
The Councilman is a sitting Adjunct Professor at Bellarmine University.
To learn more about District 21’s new Councilman, follow this link: https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/f9a8f8d4-b9c9-44c2-8fde-c1894937c6a9
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge is ready to bring holiday cheer to the children of District 3 and their families with the Annual District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give – A – Way is set for Saturday, December 16th.
“I look forward every holiday season to making sure the children of our area have a wonderful Christmas,” says Woolridge. “Our holiday party is designed to make sure no child is forgotten during this season of giving.”
The District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give-A-Way will take place on Saturday, December 16th at the C. E. Kirby Center, 2308 Algonquin Parkway which is adjacent to Southern Star Baptist Church. The party gets underway from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 PM.
There will be fun, refreshments and entertainment.
Councilwoman Woolridge will have more than 200 toys to be given away along with candy and other items. The party is for children between the ages of four and thirteen. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
“I hope every deserving child in our area will come and join us as we spread joy and some fun during this holiday season,” says Woolridge.
For more information about the Annual District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give-A-Way, contact Councilwoman Woolridge’s office at 574-1103.
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join the Kentucky Community Enrichment Foundation Incorporated, members of the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members of the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and the Louisville Kappa League for a very special task on Saturday, December 16th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“This is the time of year to reach out and help families in our community,” says Woolridge. “I am once again happy to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city, on this important project.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Frist Virginia Avenue Baptist Church, and Fraternal order of Police (FOP) Lodge 77.
“Part of our mission is to enrich our communities and the families within it. Giving back is one of the most important and valuable things an organization can do, especially during the holidays,” says Eric Stout, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. We have a rich tradition of compassion, community service, and giving – all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. We are thankful to have supporters like the Kentucky Community Enrichment Foundation, Councilwoman Woolridge and Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, join our efforts year after year.”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal that will feed at least four people. Since 1984, over 1,200 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 40,000 pounds of food.
“This program not only provides a benefit to the community but I have to commend Kappa Alpha Psi for using it as a way to show younger members the importance of community service,” says Woolridge. “Caring for those in need is a year round commitment and what better time to begin such a journey.”
Here is Saturday’s Schedule for this year’s Christmas Meal basket Program:
- 8:30 AM Meet at Walmart Neighborhood Market, 5360 Dixie Louisville, KY 40216
- 9:00 AM Begin Delivery of Baskets to Families
Elementary school students at six schools in District 6 will get a special present this year when Councilman David James (D-6) and his holiday helpers once again host the Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 15th.
“This year we will continue our effort to give warm coats to students in need and help them stay warm during the winter so they can achieve great things at school,” says James. “This is the time of year when it is better to give than receive and I have some great sponsors to help me achieve that goal.”
On Friday, December 15th, Councilman James will be distributing coats to students who attend Frayser, Englehard, Cochran, McFerran, Brandies and Wheatly Elementary Schools at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue.
The students who have the greatest need were identified through their Jefferson County Public Schools Resource Counselors.
The giveaway was made possible through some very generous sponsors who have helped out at many seasonal District 6 events this year.
Councilman James has partnered with Kosair Charities and Kohl’s will also be on hand for the distribution. The company is sending some very helpful store elves (employees) to assist. This collaborative effort also includes these additional sponsors: Ronaldo Designer Jewelers, Dr. & Mrs. Thomas and Nancy Woodcock, Bruce Blue, Dr. Alexander Digenis and Emily Digenis, Todd Roman of Play Louisville and Hunter Sattich.
“These sponsors have joined with me to make sure the children in our area that are in need will have a special holiday,” says James. “Our main theme is a special one for the Winter Wonderland: The list has been made and checked twice, no naughtiness here, just to be nice!”
The fun begins at 5:00pm on Friday, December 15th.
Photo: Kentucky Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby Museum received a grant from the Kentucky Colonels in the amount of $7,150 to help purchase a new golf cart for the Museum. After the success of both the Around the Golf Cart and Race Day Golf Cart tours, adding a second golf cart to the Museum’s fleet will help keep up with demand for the specialty tours, especially as Derby season fast approaches.
The Kentucky Colonels is an organization of talented and capable men and women appointed by the Governor because of their citizenship and service. Their primary objective is to support Kentucky organizations who stand ready to help our citizens everywhere. The Kentucky Colonels, through their Good Works Program, distributed $1.5 million to support 171 worthy causes this year, which will impact over 3 million people across the state.
“A Kentucky Colonel is more than just a certificate, it’s a group of compassionate individuals that care about the citizens of Kentucky and who want to make a difference. We harness our members’ generous donations and award grants to not-for-profits to help those most in need throughout the Commonwealth,” Barbara Dutschke, Commanding General of the Board of Trustees of the Kentucky Colonels said.
The golf cart will be ready for tours this spring. If you are interested in reserving your spring or Derby season tour, visit DerbyMuseum.org.