LaPlace, LA – Louisiana Federal Credit Union (FCU) and its Pack the Pirogue initiative have provided a fresh supply of school materials to students in St. John The Baptist 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 St. John The Baptist Parish were nominated by the community to receive supplies this year: Joy Landry of Emily C. Watkins Elementary and Candace Collins of Garyville Magnet.
Joy Landry expressed her gratitude, stating, "I'm thankful for the bountiful donation of school supplies for my classroom. It has already had a significant impact."
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.
Collins said, "So many of my students don't have supplies. They are going to be so excited. It's going to take a load off some of the parents who are trying to get supplies. Now, I can tell more parents, 'Don't worry about it.'"
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."
Candace Collins of Garyville Magnet could barely contain her excitement when finding out she was receiving the pirogue.
Joy Landry of Emily C. Watkins Elementary are all smiles as they pose with their pirogue.
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