NEW ORLEANS – The 9th Annual NOLA Back 2 School backpack giveaway, presented by Shell, returns on Saturday, July 26, offering 4,000 K–6 students in the Greater New Orleans area a strong start to the school year.
Each pre-registered student will receive a free backpack filled with essential school supplies during the drive-through distribution at the Xavier University Center, 4955 Drexel Dr., from 8 a.m. to noon. Those arriving on foot or by public transportation can pick up backpacks at the entrance of Xavier’s St. Joseph Academic/Health Center, located directly across Broadway Street.
“The schoolchildren of New Orleans deserve our care, our respect, and our support,” said Kevin McMahon, vice president production assets, Shell Gulf of America, in a release about the giveaway. “With these supplies in hand, those kids take that first step towards a great school year.”
Pre-registered students will receive a sturdy backpack filled with pocket folders, a notebook, pencils, a pencil case, scissors, a glue stick, and more. Backpacks and supplies are limited. Families must pre-register at www.nolabacktoschoolfest.org to guarantee their backpack(s) and school supplies.
“We deeply thank Shell USA for helping us build a brighter future for the talented youth of New Orleans, one backpack at a time,” said Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana. “This provision of essential supplies gives students the confidence to begin their school year with a great start.”
“Nearly all public-school teachers spend their own money to make sure their students have the supplies they need to succeed, often hundreds of dollars each year,” said Jennifer LaCoste, executive director of the Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative. “When we provide students with backpacks and essential tools, we’re not just supporting learners, we’re also supporting our teachers who go above and beyond every day.”
The NOLA Back 2 School backpack giveaway is hosted in partnership with Shell, Xavier University of Louisiana, and GNO STEM. For more information and to pre-register for free supplies, visit www.nolabacktoschoolfest.org.