Gonzales, LA – Louisiana Federal Credit Union (FCU) and its Pack the Pirogue initiative have furnished a fresh supply of school materials to students in Tangipahoa Parish.
The credit union dispatched pirogues filled with 2,070 school supply items to 12 classrooms in southeast Louisiana. These recipients were nominated by community members during Louisiana FCU's annual Pack the Pirogue supplies drive.
Two classrooms in Gonzales were nominated by the community to receive supplies this year: Callista Owsley, Gonzales Middle and Shirley Markey at Central Primary School.
Markey stated, “These supplies will be awesome for students who may need extras that run out before the end of the year.”
The encouragement from Gonzales is one of the reasons Callista Owsley chose this location. “It’s really awesome to receive something like this,” said Owsley. "Getting that continual support from donors allows my students to be excited and engaged about learning because it’s their reward too.”
As inflation continues to drive up costs across the board, parents are reevaluating their spending decisions, even when it comes to essential school supplies. According to an annual survey by The National Retail Federation, back-to-school spending is speculated to reach an unprecedented $41.5 billion, a significant increase from the previous year's $36.9 billion.
"As a credit union, we understand the financial strain that buying school supplies can place on families. We take pride in relieving some of that burden, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed," Rhonda Hotard, President and CEO of Louisiana FCU.
In 2023, Pack the Pirogue attracted a record number of classroom nominations and received hundreds of donations from the local community.
Hotard added, "Our compassionate members, supportive business partners, and our dedicated staff came together to create a special and memorable school year for so many children."
Callista Owsley, Gonzales Middle poses with some of her students to receive her pirogue.
It's all smiles for Shirley Markey and her students at Central Primary School.
Louisiana Federal Credit Union is a full-service not-for-profit financial institution serving more than 36,000 members in Louisiana. For more information about the credit union, visit www.LouisianaFCU.org.
Contact
Ashley Chadwick
VP, Marketing & Member Engagement
t. 985.652.1747
e. achadwick@LouisianaFCU.org
www.LouisianaFCU.org
