LAPLACE – A drive to collect school supplies for needy students in the River Parishes is currently underway. The River Parishes Tools for Schools initiative will run through August 31, with major support from Louisiana Federal Credit Union, Shell Chemical Company, Motiva LLC, Wal-Mart, Entergy Louisiana, and Office Depot. Additional donations and pledges have been made by Tomah Reserve, Nalco, and local religious, civic, and business groups.

“If we can help a child in their endeavor to get an education, then we will,” says Rhonda Hotard, President/CEO of Louisiana FCU. “Sometimes it really doesn’t take much to make a big difference in the life of a child.”

In 1996, the River Parishes Tools for School initiative was founded by Betty Coleman Clement with major support from Louisiana Federal Credit Union. Since its inception, this program has provided school supplies to more than 70,000 needy students. “As students make plans to begin a new academic year, many parents find that they cannot afford the school supplies their children require,” says Clement. “We want to ensure that students of all ages have the tools they need to function effectively in the classroom.”

Clement is calling on citizens in the River Parishes to contribute to this effort by contacting her at 985-652-1799. Monetary donations may be sent to River Parishes Education Initiatives, Attn: Tools for School, P.O. Box 1671, LaPlace, LA 70069-1671.