Caddo schools, are you ready to give back?
It's time to sign-up your team!
How is it time for our fifth Day of Service with Caddo Schools? Wow!
Our team is excited to share our adaptions to this tradition while making volunteering more accessible for students of all ages. Based on feedback from past events, we shifted this year’s Day of Service to the fall to avoid conflicts with testing in the spring.
In 2020, we focused on socially distanced collection drives due to COVID-19 restrictions. This change gave us the chance to include younger students who are typically not able to participate in hands-on volunteer projects safely. Entire schools and student organizations alike signed up to give back.
Curious about the impact?
Caddo Parish students, parents, faculty, and staff collected more than 8,000 essential items valued at more than $14,000 in economic support for local nonprofits during our 2020 alternative, Month of Service.
In 2019, in-person projects saved nonprofits over $18,000 in labor costs. You can read more about these experiences by visiting our blog. We are thankful to the Caddo Schools community for LIVING UNITED!
This year, United Way’s Day of Service with Caddo Schools will be a hybrid approach. The initiative will allow both collection drives and in-person projects, with precautions in place to prevent COVID-19. Teams will begin collecting items the week before our Day of Service event on Saturday, November 6. In-person projects and inventories will take place from 9:00 A.M. to 12 P.M.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Harper, via volunteer@unitedwaynwla.org or 318-606-6601.
Whether you are a Day of Service veteran or this is your first year to participate, we thank you for your dedication to serving Northwest Louisiana. #CaddoLivesUnited #WeAreCaddo
The deadline to sign up a team for United Way’s Day of Service with Caddo Schools is October 18, 2021.
United Way & Caddo Schools
New Caddo Schools Employee Assistance Fund
Caddo Day of Service | Saturday, November 6, 2021
Deadline to Sign-Up: October 18
All Teams Paired: October 21
Team Captain Meeting: November 4
T-Shirt Giving Incentive | Select Size by October 18
Donate $50 or more to the fundraising campaign this season to receive this co-branded United Way and Caddo Schools t-shirt. Select your t-shirt size before the deadline cutoff on October 18.
Basic Necessities
Our mission is to serve low-income clients in the Ark-La-Tex by providing specific non-food items including diapers, period products & incontinence supplies.
Donation List:
- Diapers (all sizes, disposable)
- Baby Wipes
- Period Products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups)
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Basic Necessities’ mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana | In-Person Projects
The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet human needs without discrimination.
In-Person Project at the Shelter | 20 Volunteers Max | Appropriate for Grades 6th-12th
The Salvation Army’s Shelter is in need of volunteers to assist by serving meals and cleaning at the shelter. This project will be indoors & outdoors.
In-Person Project at the Salvation Army Thrift Store | 20 Volunteers Max | Appropriate for Grades 4th-8th and Adults
On Nov. 9th, we will be kicking off for Christmas. To help us get ready, we would love help in decorating our Administration building and our Merkle Center of Hope Shelter lobby. There are three (3) trees, wreaths, bunting, and all the fun.
Resources will be provided to teach your students about The Salvation Army’s mission and the impact they are making by volunteering and collecting items during the week of November 6.
Community Renewal Friendship Houses For Youth & Kids
Community Renewal restores hope, rebuilds caring communities, and renews the spirit of cooperation in every segment of the community through their Renewal Team, Haven Houses, and Friendship Houses.
Allendale Kids Friendship House.
The following items will be used to maintain the after-school program.
- Kleenex
- Febreze
- Toilet Paper & Tissues
- Lysol
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Paper Towels
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Pine Sol
- Bleach
- Laundry Detergent (powder preferred)
- Mr. Clean Disinfectant and Magic Erasers
- Trash Bags
- Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner
Barksdale Annex Youth Friendship House
The following items will be used during the Youth Friendship House’s after-school program.
- Spiral notebooks with perforated pages
- Pocket Folders
- Dry Erase Board Cleaner
- Elmer’s Glue for making Slime
- Copier Paper
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Plastic Forks
- Paper Plates
- Take-Out Containers
- Colored Pencils
- Anti-bacterial Hand Soap
- Dish Washing Liquid
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Community Renewal’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Geaux 4 Kids: Project Geaux Bags
Geaux 4 Kids’ mission is to ease the emergency transition of displaced children into the protective custody of foster care.
Geaux 4 Kids is in need of Notes of Encouragement for Project Geaux Bags, in addition to their in-person projects.
Notes of Encouragement:
Geaux 4 Kids would like your team to write notes of encouragement for children in foster care that will receive their Geaux Bag for their first night at a new foster placement. More instructions on creating the cards will be provided to the team captain.
In-Person Project| 40 Volunteers Max | Most Appropriate for Grades 4th-12th, Adults |
Volunteers will assist with organizing, writing notes of encouragement, clean-up, and assembling hygiene kits. Geaux 4 Kids’ Staff will guide volunteers through their project and indicate which tasks are a priority.
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Geaux 4 Kids’ mission and the impact they are making by writing notes of encouragement for the organization during the week of November 6.
Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana
The purpose and vision of Goodwill are to ensure that every person finds meaning, purpose, and value in life by securing employment. This brings about change in not only the person but the family and the community-at-large.
- Women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing of all sizes
- Shoes, purses, belts, and other clothing accessories
- Jewelry and watches
- Small household items (dishes, glasses, pots & pans, flower arrangements, knick-knacks, etc.)
- Books, records, CDs, DVDs
- Children’s toys and stuffed animals
- Bed linens, covers, drapes
- Electronics (microwaves, vacuum cleaners, blenders, toasters, can openers, etc.)
- Wall art and pictures
In-Person Project | 30 Volunteers Max | Appropriate for All Ages
Goodwill Industries is seeking a school or multiple schools to do a socially distanced collection drive. Schools can plan a drive at their school leading up to the day of the event, and on the Day of Service day, volunteers can bring those donations to our Goodwill Job Center and learn more about how those donations make an impact on the community. A two-hour tour, which includes hands-on activities about Job Skills and Leadership, will be a part of the Day of Service project.
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Goodwill’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Renesting Project, Inc.
Reclaim – receive and gather gently used furniture and household goods. Renew- clean, repair, and re-purpose furniture and household items. Renest – provide, to those in need, the comforts of home, rest, retreat – a nest.
Renesting Project is in need of the following items.
Gently used or new items
- Kitchen items, including dishes.
- Skillets*
- Pots & pans*
- Kitchen utensils (spoons, whisks, ladles, spatulas, tongs, etc.)*
- Cookie sheets*
- Dustpans*
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting boards
New items, only
- Personal hygiene items (including travel sizes)
- shampoo & conditioner
- lotion
- body wash/bar soap
- deodorant
- toothbrushes (kids* and adult)
- toothpaste
- combs/hairbrushes
- razors
- shaving cream*
- bandaids
- antiseptic cream (i.e. triple antibiotic ointment)
* indicates an item Renesting Project is out of, low on, or in great need of!
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Renesting Project, Inc.’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
– PAIRED PROJECTS –
Projects that appear below have been paired with one or more teams. Please consider requesting one of the unpaired projects above. Thank you!
The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana - Collection Drive
The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet human needs without discrimination.
The Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Collection Drive:
The following items will be used to feed individuals and families this Thanksgiving on November 25th. Last year, The Salvation Army served 1,135 Thanksgiving meals to your fellow neighbors and community members:
This is not only a single meal, but we are also able to fellowship and celebrate a family holiday with our surrounding community.
- Hams and/or Turkeys
- Cornbread Mix
- Elbow Noodles
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mix Blend)
- Green Beans
- Canned Sweet Potatoes
- Dinner Rolls
Resources will be provided to teach your students about The Salvation Army’s mission and the impact they are making by volunteering and collecting items during the week of November 6.
Providence House
Providence House’s mission is, “Breaking the homeless cycle one family at a time.”
- Plastic Cereal Bowls
- Plastic Silverware
- Lysol
- Masks
- Pillows
- Fresh Fruits
- Any Type of Individually Wrapped Breakfast Items, Including but not Limited To:
– Muffins
– Mini cereal boxes
– Granola / Fruit Bars
– Fruit Snacks
– Oatmeal / Grits Packets/individual bowls
– Pastries
– Poptarts
– Snacks
– Peanutbutter crackers
– Cheese Crackers
– Juice Boxes
– Capri Suns**Please no items that need refrigeration**
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Providence House’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center
Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center’s mission is to provide a safe and accessible, central intake and service center for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking to receive comprehensive, coordinated community services during this very difficult time.
The NWLA Family Justice Center is in need of:
- Ladies toiletries (all sizes & brands)
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, & mouthwash
- Razors and shaving cream
- Pads, tampons, and wipes
- Deodorant
- Bodywash / Bar soap
- Shampoo/Conditioner/Hair products
- Facial cleanser
- Lotion
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Volunteers of America North Louisiana
Volunteers of America North Louisiana is a faith-based ministry of service providing opportunity, promoting dignity, and inspiring change in all who find their way to them.
• Toilet paper
• Bath soap
• Bath towel
• Washcloth
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Feminine products (pads and tampons)
• Hand soap
• Paper plates and cups
• Plastic utensils
• Paper towels
• Non-perishable snacks
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Volunteer of America’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Christian Service Program
The core mission of feeding the hungry has not changed, but the way to carry out the mission is changing. There is a need to address greater and greater numbers of people who are not only hungry but homeless or on the brink of homelessness. Christian Service is moving to meet that need.
Donation List:
- Compartment To-Go plates
- Plastic Spoons
- Plastic Forks
- Napkins
- Can Goods
- Bottled Water
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Christian Service’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Robinson's Rescue
The mission of Robinson’s Rescue is to reduce overpopulation and euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in North Louisiana by providing affordable spay/neuter services and education on the importance of spay/neuter.
Robinson’s Rescue is always in need of the following items:
- 1” masking tape
- AA batteries
- AAA batteries
- Antibacterial dishwashing soap
- Antibacterial hand soap
- Bleach
- Cat Carriers – New or gently used
- Towels (any size), Flat sheets, Bedding, Blankets
- Dog treats *
- Dry dog food *
- Wet cat food *
- Garden/insecticide sprayers
- Any cleaning products
- Paper towels
- Trash bags (13 and 39-gallon sizes) *
Dream List:
- Feral Cat Traps (typically $60)
- Outdoor Concrete Benches (4 needed)
* Indicates the items that Robinson’s Rescue is most in need of!
Resources will be provided to teach your students about Robinson’s Rescue’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
The Hub: urban ministries
The Hub is a non-profit organization in Shreveport, Louisiana that serves two main populations: those in poverty and homelessness through The Lovewell Center and women and children experiencing sexual exploitation and human trafficking through Purchased: Not for Sale.
The Hub needs your help to “Stock the Shelves!” A detailed list of the most needed items in each category will be provided to the team captain.
- Canned Soups (with meat)
- Canned Fruit
- Ravioli and Chili
- Pasta Sauce
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, etc.)
- White Rice
- Noodles
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Powdered Milk
- Ready-to-Eat Meals
- Granola + Protein Bars
- Fruit Snacks
- Peanut Butter Crackers
- Trail Mix
- Bottled Water
- Drink Mixes
Resources will be provided to teach your students about The Hub’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Renzi Education & Art Center
The mission of the Renzi Education and Art Center is to provide free, high-quality after-school academic and art classes, and summer camps to K-12 youth in the Shreveport-Bossier area, so that all children have the opportunity to explore, learn, and create, under the guidance of professional teachers and artists.
The Renzi Center is in need of food items for their students’ daily snacks and take-home bags that provide food over the weekend. Items should be individually wrapped, ready to consume, and shelf-stable.
Examples:
- Juice Pouches
- Granola Bars
- Pop-Tarts
- Apple Sauce/sealed fruit cups
- Bottled Water
- Rice Krispy Treats
- Small jerky sticks
- Sandwich Crackers (such as Lance’s, easy to find in bulk)
The Renzi Center would appreciate Notes of Encouragement for their students. Guidelines will be provided to the team captain.
Resources will be provided to teach your students about The Renzi Center’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.
Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana
The mission of the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is to serve as the primary resource for fighting hunger in Northwest Louisiana. Our vision is to ultimately end hunger in Northwest Louisiana by ensuring a consolidated network of effective food collection and distribution which will provide universal access to food for the needy in our communities.
The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana accepts non-perishable food items, such as:
- Boxed cereal
- Oatmeal and grits
- Any regular size canned food item (Vegetables, soups, fruit, etc.)
- Canned tuna in water
- Canned chicken
- Peanut butter
- Spaghetti noodles
- Pasta sauce
- Macaroni & cheese
- 1 or 2lb. bags of rice and dry beans
Please, no glass containers, homemade products, or partially consumed products from home. Thank you!
Resources will be provided to teach your students about the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana’s mission and the impact they are making by collecting donations for the organization during the week of November 6.