LEXINGTON, Ky. — We’re just one day away from Thanksgiving and one University of Kentucky football player is helping bring a full meal to the table for families in Lexington this year.

What You Need To Know

  • University of Kentucky football player Deone Walker hosted a Thanksgiving turkey drive 

  • Around 100 meals were served to families in Lexington

  • Walker is partnering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass to help families in need

  • Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass will provide a resource fair in January to provide housing essentials for children and their families

Supporting families with a frozen turkey, and all the essential fixings, University of Kentucky football’s defensive tackle, Deone Walker, greeted families for his first Thanksgiving drive. Around 100 meals were offered for free.

Walker says this season brings families together, even during challenging times.

“I could see my mom and dad struggling for whatever they wanted me to have, and I was always thinking, why doesn’t anybody just help us out?” Walker explained. Now, he’s becoming a safety net for others. 

“Because everybody’s struggling at this moment, they have lower food stamps down for people that’s in need. The rent has gone up, so this right here, this program right here, is helping everybody out,” said Ida Warford, who attended the event.

Walker, who’s a Michigan native, says this event is about supporting this community that has been his second home. 

“Kentucky, Lexington has openly welcomed me with open arms. You know, there’s been nothing but a warm welcome. You know, I’ve met some of my best friends that are brothers,” Walker explained. 

It’s why he’s also partnering with the national nonprofit’s Kentucky chapter, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass. Meredith Watts is the interim president and CEO of the state organization.  

“We’ve had more families reach out to us. I just think times are hard. I mean, groceries are expensive. You know, people are struggling at their jobs. Transportation is hard,” Watts explained. 

Walker volunteers with an organization that helps children through mentorship and home-life support.

“Someone like Deone donates to families that are struggling and going who have gone through traumas and gone through significant health, you know, family environment and giving them some positive resource, it truly makes the biggest difference in a child’s life,” Watts said. Walker says while it’s his first giveback, he hopes to offer support help he goes.

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