Schools in Acadiana are weeks away from the start of the new school year!
Below is a list of school supply drives across Acadiana:
UL Lafayette donation drive seeks food, clothes and K-12 school supplies
University of Louisiana at Lafayette faculty and staff members, students, and members of the community are being called upon to donate clothes, food and school supplies.
A donation drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 22, at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center, 600 E. St. Mary Blvd. Donations will help shore up the University’s Campus Cupboard, its Career Closet and its Stock the Classroom initiative.
UL Lafayette’s Alumni Association is coordinating the drive with the College of Education Alumni Chapter, the Educators Rising Collegiate Chapter, the Office of Career Services and the Student Affairs Division.
Dresses, blouses, skirts, suits, blazers, sport coats, slacks, ties, belts and shoes are among items needed. So, too, are canned and dry goods, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, soap, deodorant, and paper towels. School supplies for K-12 students being sought include pencils, crayons, name tags, sticky notes, card stock, markers, tape and stickers.
The Campus Cupboard is a resource for University students who require short-term assistance meeting food needs. The Career Closet, run by the Office of Career Services, provides free clothing to help students succeed at job interviews, career fairs and networking events. Stock the Classroom is an initiative to collect and distribute school supplies; it’s sponsored by the College of Education Alumni Chapter and the Educators Rising Collegiate Chapter.
View a complete list of items needed[u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net]. For questions, call the Office of Career Services[u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net] at (337) 482-1444.
United Way of Acadiana launches annual Stuff the Bus program
United Way of Acadiana launched its annual Stuff the Bus program sponsored by Love Our Schools today.
The school supply drive, which is also sponsored by COX, helps to provide school supplies to classrooms and students in need throughout United Way of Acadiana’s service area. The drive is active the month of July, and school supplies are distributed to teachers in Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parish School Systems in August.
Participating businesses with public drop off locations include 705 Federal Credit Union, Acadiana Automotive Group, Adorn Jewelry, Athleta, Carmax, City Club, Home Bank (all locations in Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes), Keaty Real Estate, NeunerPate Attorneys at Law, Meritus Credit Union, SCP Health, The Gleason Group, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lafayette, Vitalant, and W-Industries. Media Partners 94.5 KSMB, Q95.5 KRRQ, 99.1 KXKC, and Magic 104.7 KNEK will also serve as drop off locations. United Way of Acadiana is still encouraging local businesses with walk in traffic to request a bin for more drop off locations by submitting their information online at www.unitedwayofacadiana.org/stuffthebus.
United Way Interim President and CEO, Heather Blanchard says, “We are always amazed by the outpouring of community support that comes in during our summer Stuff the Bus drive. The community comes together and makes sure that our Acadiana students have what they need to start the school year.”
"We believe that community engagement is at the heart of great schools. We are thrilled to support Stuff the Bus because it provides a strong start to the school year for Lafayette Parish educators and students while demonstrating that the community cares about them," said Dr. William "Kip" Schumacher founder of Love Our Schools.
For more information and a list of requested school supplies, visit www.unitedwayofacadiana.org/stuffthebus.
Louisiana Bayou Ballers presents First Annual school supply drive & donation
The Louisiana Bayou Ballers is hoting their first annual school supply drive July 30, 2022. The event is scheduled to take place between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Organizers said donations can be dropped off at Thomas Park on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. outside at the basketball courts and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. inside gym courts.
Any questions about donations or to sponsor, call Coach Kevin or the Director Jasmine at 337-693-1632 or 337-693-1623.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mable's Table Presents its 7th Annual Backpack Project
Mable's Table is excited to be back to normal and hosting their 7th Annual Backpack Project .
Seven years ago, the project was started by a foster mom who saw a way to help foster children all while creating an event to teach other children about volunteerism. From 50 volunteers packing 150 backpacks to now over 300 backpacks and more than 150 volunteers, the Backpack Project has grown to serve not only the foster children in our community but also some of our homeless and most needy children as well. Over the years the organization had incredible partnerships with other non-profits to help accept donations to finance the event. Organizers said, "We are so grateful to CASA of SoLA and Kiwanis Club of Lafayette for their continued support. Thank you for all you do!"
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here for 2022 back to school start dates by parish
Lafayette City Marshal Backpack Giveaway
The Lafayette City Marshal, Reggie Thomas and his team along with the help of the YMCA and Rotary Club of Lafayette South will be hosting our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 9am. The event will be held in the parking lot of Destiny of Faith Church located at 409 Patterson Street. To take advantage of the giveaway, kids must be present with parents. We will have a drive thru set up and everyone can remain in their vehicle while we hand out backpacks. The Lafayette City Marshal’s Office was able to increase the number of backpacks and supplies this year. We encourage all members of the community to join us as we continue the tradition of giving back.
