United Way of Northwest Louisiana will help hundreds of families in Red River Parish by offering free backpacks and school supplies. The United Way ALICE study of financial hardship says 54 percent of children living in Red River Parish are unprepared for kindergarten and 48 percent of third graders are scoring below grade level – both decreased numbers from the previous year. It is the goal of United Way NWLA to help children become prepared for school so they can focus on learning once inside the classroom.

United Way NWLA will also celebrate the first full year since the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Red River Parish. Since the programs introductory year, more than 100 children have had access to brand new, age-appropriate books at no cost to them. Through the program, a child receives a new book every month until their fifth birthday in preparation for kindergarten. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is sponsored by BHP in Red River Parish.

United Way’s 2nd Annual Back to School Bash will distribute more than 1,000 backpacks with school supplies to ensure Red River Parish Public School students are prepared to learn. There will also be community resource vendors plus food and games for families. The event will be held Monday, July 30, 2018 from 5:30 – 8pm.