Students and their families donated about 1,000 children’s books for the organizations this summer during new-student orientation.
On Aug. 31, orientation leaders and students delivered about 400 of the books to young readers at J.B. Atkinson Academy for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Atkinson will use the books in its library for students to check out, in the Every 1 Reads program and in a program where students can purchase a book for 25 cents to help build home libraries, said Principal Stephanie Nutter.
The remainder went to Family Scholar House at 403 Reg Smith Circle.
The book drive, organized by UofL’s Office of Admissions, is new this year, said Alyssa Murphy, who directs UofL’s new student and campus visit programs.
“Our goal was to engage our new students in an effort to give back to the greater Louisville community and to recognize that they have an impact in the city, even as new students,” Murphy said.
Organizers also aim to “foster a love for learning at an early age” in young children, she added.
Enthusiasm for reading can help children break the cycles of poverty and homelessness, said Cathe Dykstra, president and chief executive officer of Family Scholar House.
“For Family Scholar House children, books introduce education and the joy that comes from using one’s mind and imagination to bring a story to life,” Dykstra said. “We appreciate the support from the new students’ book drive.”