Children who are better prepared for school are better prepared for life. United Way is committed to helping children and youth succeed and ensuring every young person is ready to learn.

The Opportunity

United Way of Northwest Louisiana hosts an annual back-to-school drive program, as well as some events to help students start school prepared for the year! The school supply drive program is a combined effort between area businesses and employees to provide backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. Over the last three years, more than 10,000 backpacks have been provided across the ten parishes.

How to Participate

Several opportunities are available for you to help our students achieve success.

School Supply Drive

United Way partners with local businesses to host a school supply drive at the workplace. This gives the employees an opportunity to make an impact on our community without ever having to leave the office. Generally the drive is held over a two-week period in July (depending on the start of school).

Back to School Volunteers

To distribute the school supplies, United Way works with leaders in each school district to ensure the supplies are given to those who do not have the supplies when school starts. In Webster and Red River Parishes, United Way partners with other agencies to host a Back to School Bash. These events include food, fun, a community resource fair, door prizes, and back packs with supplies for each grade. Volunteers are needed to help assemble back packs, sort supplies, and execute the event.

Sponsorship

To host an event, it takes money. United Way partners with businesses and organizations to ensure that no donor dollars from the campaign are used for special events. Sponsorships are available for each event and monetary donations are encouraged for supplies in order for United Way to purchase the supplies that we are lacking for those in need.

Why it Matters in NWLA

In Northwest Louisiana, 49% of kindergarteners are unprepared, and 34% of third graders are scoring below grade level. We have a commitment to fight against the education gap in Northwest Louisiana.

View statistics for each parish.

Interested?

Is your company interested in sponsoring a trail? Please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at 318-677-2504, Ext. 123 or email volunteer@unitedwaynwla.org.