(Shreveport, LA) – Every child deserves to start the school year with tools and support needed to succeed. That’s why United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) is partnering with the Webster Parish School Board on two community-wide back-to-school initiatives: Pack the Bus, a school supply drive on July 24–25, and the 18th Annual Back-to-School Bash on August 2. Together, the organizations are collecting school supplies, mobilizing volunteers, and connecting families with resources that help students succeed.
The partnership brings together volunteers, donors, educators, and community organizations to ensure Webster Parish students have the supplies and support they need before the first day of school.
The first initiative is Pack the Bus, a school supply drive that gives community members an opportunity to help equip local classrooms and students with the tools they need before the first day of school. United Way volunteers and Webster Parish School Board staff will collect donations at two Walmart locations:
Friday, July 24
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Springhill Walmart, 1920 S. Arkansas St., Springhill, LA 71075
- Minden Walmart, 1379 Homer Rd., Minden, LA 71055
Saturday, July 25
- 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Springhill Walmart, 1920 S. Arkansas St., Springhill, LA 71075
- Minden Walmart, 1379 Homer Rd., Minden, LA 71055
The partnership continues Sunday, August 2, during the Webster Parish School Board’s 18th Annual Back-to-School Bash. Families can receive school supplies, connect with community organizations, and learn about programs that support student success throughout the year. United Way will also host a community resource table featuring local services available to children and families.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to begin the school year with confidence,” said Ursula Hullaby, Safe Schools Coordination and Community Liaison, Webster Parish School Board. “When schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community members come together, we can make a lasting difference for our students and their families. We are grateful for United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s partnership and support in helping make these back-to-school initiatives a success.”
At United Way of Northwest Louisiana, creating opportunities for children to succeed begins long before they walk through the classroom door. Through strategic partnerships and community collaboration, United Way works to strengthen youth opportunity by connecting families with the resources they need to build brighter futures.
“I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand what these events mean to the students, families, and the entire Webster Parish community,” said Kimberly Williams, Director of Community Impact for United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “That’s why I knew United Way of Northwest Louisiana had to be part of this effort. Our partnership with the Webster Parish School Board reflects our shared commitment to investing in students, supporting families, and creating opportunities for success. When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of Webster Parish and Northwest Louisiana.”
Community members can support Pack the Bus by donating new school supplies during the July 24-25 collection drive or by attending the Back-to-School Bash on August 2 to learn more about available community resources.
Together, United Way of Northwest Louisiana and Webster Parish School Board are helping ensure every student starts the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. By bringing together volunteers, educators, businesses, and community organizations, this partnership demonstrates what’s possible when a community works toward a common goal
About United Way of Northwest Louisiana
United Way of Northwest Louisiana mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our region, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge—actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across ten parishes means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives throughout Northwest Louisiana. From strengthening local resilience to advancing healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working toward a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
To learn more, visit www.unitedwaynwla.org.
