The Bank of Coushatta and Red River Parish School Board are included in the United Way 2018 Celebration of Impact. The event was held in Shreveport last Thursday evening. Representatives of both were present at the event and took part in a community project of assembling toiletry kits for residents of Providence House.
Dr. Bruce Wilson of United Way set the tone for the evening. In his opening remarks, Wilson said, “lt’s not how much money we raise, but the impact it makes on the lives of people in the 10 Northwest Louisiana Parishes we serve.”
Among United Way activities in Red River Parish Dr. Wilson was referring to is the Back to School Bash event that distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to students in the parish. Another service is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library which serves 165 children in Red River. Other services are free help for residents to file their income tax, FamilyWize, a program to save residents on the cost of their prescriptions, and the 2-1-1 Help Line for local residents to get help finding needed services.
The Bank of Coushatta was a table sponsor at the Celebration of Impact. The bank was represented by Ronnie and Karen Farrar, Darlene Campbell, Michelle Viscoe, and Michelle Meek.
The Red River Parish School Board was recognized as a new partner with United Way in the parish. The board had conducted their first campaign. Vera Smith accepted the award on behalf of the board. United Way’s Charnae McDonald said “They received this award for doing their first fundraising campaign – which all proceeds go to the summer Back to School Bash. Smith is the Parent Community Outreach Facilitator. She was accompanied by her husband Louis Smith.
Plans are underway for the 2019 Back to School Bash, expansion of the Imagination Library, and use of the 2-1-1 Help Line by parish residents.
