Latest news with #Back-to-SchoolCommunityResourceFair
American Press
07-08-2025
- Business
- American Press
Back-to-School Community Resource Fair set for Saturday
Families across Lake Charles are gearing up for the new school year. The annual Back-to-School Community Resource Fair will help ease the transition for hundreds in the region. The free, family-focused experience, hosted by not-for-profit financial institution Southwest Louisiana Credit Union, is from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.9 at the credit union's McNeese branch, 2255 E. McNeese St. The back-to-school bash goes far beyond basic school supply giveaways. With support from over 25 area organizations – including the Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana, Calcasieu Parish Public Library, SWLA Center for Health Services and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital – the credit union is bringing together a diverse coalition of resources under one roof (and one jump house). Last year, over 1,000 attendees attended, and organizers expect even more this time around, said Makeitta Darbonne-Citizen, director of community engagement, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union. Children will receive over 500 snack sacks packed by credit union staff, as well as hygiene kits. From free Hunt Brothers pizza and snow cones to raffle baskets full of household goods, diapers, and school essentials, the fair embodies both care and celebration. On-site agency vehicles from the Lake Charles Fire and Police Departments add a hands-on, educational thrill for children, while LifeShare Blood Center will accept donations from attendees wishing to give back in a different way. Local musician Shawn Vanicore will DJ the event. At the heart of the event lies community collaboration. Local organizations set up booths to educate families about available services and offer vital support for parents and guardians. This is the event that those at that credit union look forward to each year, Darbonne-Citizen said. Each year, it is an opportunity to make an impact in the community and connect with the families they serve. 'Why not come together to pull those resources together so that we can have a greater impact throughout our community,' she said. 'The credit union's mission is financial empowerment for all and so our vision is eliminating poverty in our communities and so through these partnerships we get to live that out every day but we get to make an impact with this event every year.' For more information, contact the credit union at 337-477-9190.
Axios
31-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Weekend things to do: Backpack giveaways, CatVideo Fest and storm expo
It's hot as heck, but the weekend events persist. 🎒 Backpack giveaways: With the first day of school less than two weeks away, several organizations are giving out free backpacks and school supplies this weekend: Bounce Back to School Backpack Giveaway, St. Pete: Saturday, 4-8pm at Tropicana Field Lot 1. Featuring bounce houses, food vendors, a chicken wing cookoff and 2,500 free backpacks loaded with school supplies. Back-to-School Community Resource Fair, Tampa: Saturday, 10am-2pm at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex. Featuring free backpacks (with child present) and school supplies, plus food, resources and fun. Back to School Bash, Clearwater: Today, 2:30-4:40pm at the Ross Norton Recreation Center. Featuring free backpacks (with child present), games and refreshments. 😻 CatVideo Fest 2025, Tampa: Watch a compilation of cats being silly little weirdos while supporting the Humane Society of Tampa Bay at this festival-fundraiser combo at Tampa Theatre. 🌀 Storm Mitigation Expo, St. Pete Beach: Pinellas County and St. Pete Beach teamed up for this free event featuring vendors with best practices on how to protect your property and the latest home mitigation products and strategies.
