By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce once again demonstrated its commitment to education and community support with its annual Pack the Bus School Supply Drive, held Thursday, July 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter on Airline Drive.
The event invited local businesses and residents to donate much-needed school supplies to benefit students in Bossier Parish public schools. Volunteers and Chamber staff were on-site collecting backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other classroom essentials—loading up a yellow school bus with donations to help ensure every child starts the school year prepared.
“As our Bossier Parish students return to school, some of them will not be equipped with the supplies they need to succeed. That’s why we partner with Bossier Schools every year and host a school supply drive,” said Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of the Bossier Chamber. “It’s important that we do our part and come together as a community to support not only our students, but our teachers, too.”
While supplies were not distributed during the event itself, all donations collected will be delivered to Bossier Parish Schools ahead of the new academic year. The effort is part of the Chamber’s ongoing partnership with the school system, which also includes the annual New Teacher Welcome and other educational initiatives.
The Chamber first launched the business-focused school supply drive in 2019 and has continued to grow the initiative each year. Organizers said they’ve seen increased participation from local businesses, especially those eager to invest in the future of the parish through educational support.
Among the most needed supplies collected were:
Backpacks
3-ring binders
Plastic pocket folders and tab dividers
Composition notebooks and loose-leaf paper
Glue sticks, dry erase markers, and headphones
Pencils, crayons, markers, and pens
Pencil boxes, erasers, scissors, and index cards
With another successful Pack the Bus drive completed, the Bossier Chamber hopes to continue expanding community support and helping students start their school year with confidence.
For more information on how to contribute to the Chamber’s education initiatives, visit bossierchamber.com.