LEXINGTON, Ky. — Vivian Hodge and her husband Robert have transformed their childhood memories into a mission of community support. After Vivian’s retirement this week, the couple decided to volunteer at Charles Young Park, where they played as children. Their focus this week has been on providing free lunches to local kids and families during fall break.
The initiative comes at a critical time when many children rely on school meals. “It’s wonderful because you put in so much time and so much effort to make sure that you’re taking care of the children in the community,” said Vivian. “Just to let them know that somebody in the community cares, that is an amazing feeling.”
The Hodges’ impact resonates throughout the community, with many parents expressing gratitude. Marisha Barrett, a local mother of two, acknowledged the importance of the program by noting, “It can be hard for some families to feed their kids, especially when they are out of school.” During their visit, Barrett brought five children to enjoy lunch and play hoops at the park.
The couple is offering not only onsite lunches, but also to-go meals to accommodate families. “We do it to be a blessing to them, but at the end of the day, they are a blessing to us. We love it,” Robert stated. The response from the community has been overwhelming; attendance has exceeded their expectations.
Initially prepared with an adequate amount of food, the Hodges found themselves restocking supplies after only a couple of days. “We bought all the materials we thought we would need. Now, two days and thousands of dollars later, we’ve had to restock our food multiple times,” Vivian explained.
For the Hodges, this initiative is not just about providing meals. “We are a product of this environment,” said Vivian, reflecting on their upbringing. “To be able to come back and give back, and let the children see that there is an opening, there is a way out, is significant.”
As the couple continues their efforts, their hope is clear: to promote community well-being and encourage the younger generation to dream big.
