St. Charles Parish children and their families have two chances to get their hands on free school supplies: on Sunday, July 20 and Saturday, July 26, nonprofits in the area will host back-to-school events to prepare children for the upcoming school year.
Saving Children at Risk Services, a nonprofit founded by Alicia Johnson and Chyshena Coleman, will provide free school supplies to St. Charles Parish children at its event on July 20 at Grand Ridge Golf Club in Luling.
The event, which runs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., will include light refreshments and the opportunity to swim for $5 a person. All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Walmart of Boutte donated the school supplies and Dominos will donate pizza for the event. New Life Family Worship Center will also supply extra school supplies for the event.
Johnson said she hopes all students who attend the event leave with the necessary supplies to start the school year off prepared.
“I hope to see smiles on their face knowing S.C.A.R.S. has made a difference in a child’s life,” she said. “Residents can help support our organization by contributing, volunteering and spreading awareness of our work and our events. It is our hope that our young people will understand the importance of having an education or job training.”
Johnson said the back-to-school drives are important to support the needs of the community and make a positive impact.
“Together we can build relationships and collectively address the needs of the people,” she said.
The United Way of St. Charles and Blessed To Be A Blessing will host their annual backpack extravaganza for St. Charles Parish residents on July 26 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., or until supplies are gone. The event at Jerusalem Shriners in Destrehan will provide 500 free backpacks, school supplies and hygiene kits as well as 500 backpack lunches provided by Second Harvest.
The first 200 cars will also receive a $25 gift card. Children must be present to receive a backpack and St. Charles Parish residents must provide a utility bill or ID to verify their residency.
The event is also sponsored by Shell, Valero, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Charles Parish Public Schools.
Eliza Eugene, the founder of Blessed To Be A Blessing and a member of the fundraising campaign committee for the United Way of St. Charles, said the event assists with the basic needs of parish families.
“Our goal is to make sure that the students have the tools for school on day one,” Eugene said.
