By Katie Potzick

During these tough economic times, it seems easy to focus on what we don’t have; a local campus group however, has decided instead to focus on what it could give.
Earlier this year, the University of Louisville’s chapter of the Golden Key Society turned a community service project into a generous donation for those less fortunate. 
“One of the missions of Golden Key is to involve members into two big literacy projects a year,” said James Lee, a U of L grad student and co-president of Golden Key.  “For the past several years, Golden Key has paired up with [Family Scholar House] to run a book drive.”
With 17 book drop locations across campus, used textbooks and reading materials were collected for ten days,  then taken to Grey’s Bookstore to be resold. 
The profit from the sales was then given to Family Scholar House, an organization that provides support to students who are single parents that attend four year colleges.
According to members of the Family Scholar House, they rely on U of L for support for both their participants and children.
On Jan. 14th, members of Golden Key met a resident of Family Scholar House and her daughter, where they presented her with a donation check of $1,500.
“During the photo session  the resident’s daughter was given a book to hold and she was so happy having a book that she didn’t even look at the other toys,” said Lee. “This moment just showed that little things can mean a lot.”
Encouraging those who are interested in the program to donate or volunteer, program director of the Family Scholar House Kristie Adams has seen firsthand how just a small donation or gesture can yield profound results for these families.
“The Golden Key money was used to provide educational support for our single-parent college students,” said Adams.
Adams went on to say “[Golden Key donations] help with the cost of books, school supplies and other needs that support [the students’] educational goals. We accept donations throughout the year and we always maintain a wish list of needs to help our participants.”
The wish list, which can be accessed at http://www.familyscholarhouse.org/involved_donations.html, includes everything from paper and hygiene products to furniture and clothing.
The Golden Key is going to be holding another book drive this spring around the last week of finals. Donations will be taken for 10-15 days at drop boxes all over campus and children’s books are especially requested. 
Other ways to get involved include becoming a mentor or tutor, or adopting a family during the holiday season.