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Back to School Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

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The first day of school is quickly approaching families in the Baton Rouge area. The start of the school year can be a stressful time for families. For one in five children living in poverty, parents often have to choose between buying school supplies or putting food on the table. Yet, whether they’re attending class online or in the classroom, school supplies remain critical to helping students feel prepared to succeed. Here’s a running list of back-to-school events to help parents prepare their children for the upcoming school year.

Back to School Baton Rouge Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

Back to School Baton Rouge Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway

Back to School Baton Rouge

EBR Schools is hosting their annual city-wide Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway! Join EBR Schools at the Raising Cane’s River Center Saturday, August 7th, from 10 am – 4 pm for a fun-filled day. Get ready for school all in one place! Get information about all of the wonderful opportunities available for students and families in East Baton Rouge Parish, along with enjoying free fitness sessions, health screenings, haircuts, entertainment, and more!

WBRZ Stuff the Bus

Back to School Baton Rouge

WBRZ’s Stuff the Bus Campaign is a school supply drive that assists parents and teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish and West Baton Rouge Parish to receive the school supplies their children need in order to succeed.

Help them fill up East Baton Rouge Parish school buses and West Baton Rouge Parish school buses with school supplies for the children of our community! Drop off supplies on Wednesday, July 28th, at the Walmart on College Drive in East Baton Rouge and the Walmart in Port Allen in West Baton Rouge.

Salvation Army Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive

The Salvation Army is joining forces with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus” for children in need. During this year’s Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive event, shoppers visiting the Wal-Mart on Burbank and College Dr. on Saturday, the 24th, from 9 am to 4 pm can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store. The goal is to provide new school supplies to children in need of a fresh start to the school year.

All donations made at Stuff the Bus campaign events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to children in need.

Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair

The Salvation Army is hosting its Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair on Saturday, July 31st, at 4025 W Brookstown Dr. from 10 am to 1 pm.

Lunch, Health and Educational Exhibits, Carnival Games, Prizes, and more! *For Backpack Give-Away, parents must bring ID. Child must be present. Pre-K through 8th Grade only. Limited to the first 400 children. Child must be present at the event to receive a backpack*

 Family and Youth Service Center

Very little feels as good to a kid as starting school all prepared. Very little feels as bad as walking in on the first day with nothing.
Help Family and Youth Service Center make kids feel great on their first day. Please help them fill the barrel at the Family and Youth Service Center, 1120 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
They’re open from 8-5 Monday through Friday. You can contact them by ph 225-239-7801 or roxson@fysc-ebr.org

Back to School Bash at Main Event

Back to School

Date and time

Sat, July 31, 2021

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

Featuring:

● An exclusive activity from our brand-new STEAM-based program, Play Academy

● Birthday & School Group Booking Specials

● 1 Hour of FREE Arcade Play

● ½ Priced Bowling

● Contests and Prizes

● Face Painting and a Balloon Artist

● Local Vendors

Must RSVP via Eventbrite to save your spot – space is limited!

 

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge this Summer with BREC

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The extremely popular Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge are back this summer at BREC! Kids ages 5 to 12 have the opportunity to learn to swim like a fish and take on a skill that will serve them for a lifetime! Registration for session two is coming up on June 15. Mark your calendars and get your kiddo ready to dive into summer!

BREC, SELA Aquatics, and the American Red Cross are pleased to offer FREE swimming lessons for the 2021 season as part of the Centennial Campaign. SELA Aquatics employees will teach free lessons using the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program.

Registration is being done on a first-come, first-served basis. All sessions will be capped to ensure the health and safety of program participants + proper instructor: student ratios.

Free Swim Lessons

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge

Session One (June 8 – 18 @ Anna T Jordan)

  • Registration opens online on or before June 1 at 5pm.
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

REGISTRATION IS FULL!

Session Two (June 20 – July 2 @ City Books Pool)

  • Registration opens online starting June 15
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at Brooks (City Park) Pool

Session Three (July 6 – 16 @ Anna T Jordan Pool)

  • Registrations will only be collected in person at ATJ during regular hours starting June 15, and online starting June 22 (if spots are available)
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

Session Four (July 20 – July 30 @ City Brooks Pool)

    • Registrations will only be collected in person at Brooks Pool during regular hours starting June 22, and online starting June 29 (if spots are available)
    • Ages 5-12
      • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
      • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
    • Note: All lessons will take place at Brooks (City Park) Pool

To register and for more information on swim lesson sessions and dates visit brec.org/aquatics

Join in – learn to swim. It could save your life!

Here are some startling facts on drowning!

      • Child drowning is a silent death. There’s no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.
      • 58 percent of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children. (Resource ISR)
      • Drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4 (CDC)
      • Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years (CDC)
      • The majority of children who survive (92% percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion. (Branche 1999)
      • Rates of fatal drowning for minorities are notably higher among these populations in certain age groups. The fatal drowning rate of African American children is 20% higher than that of Caucasian children in the same age range. (CDC)
      • 19 percent of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present.
      • Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are males.
      • Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water and even in the presence of lifeguards.

      • Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.

Source: http://usapoolsla.com

Top Box Foods Louisiana – healthy, affordable, accessible food.

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Top Box Foods Louisiana (TBFLA) is a nonprofit organization committed to making fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all. Every time you shop with Tob Box Foods you directly contribute to building a more equitable and localized food system. TBFLA provides year-round access to fresh, affordable produce, frozen meats, seafood, and poultry. Anyone within our delivery range can get Top Box grocery boxes delivered FREE right to their door!

Top Box Foods

Top Box Foods – How it works

Placing an order is easy! Visit www.topboxfoods.com or call (225) 244 – 9564 to shop affordable grocery boxes and explore delicious recipes. Place your order by 8 PM Thursday to get your boxes Friday, and by 8 PM Tuesday to get your boxes Wednesday. Purchases can be paid for with EBT or credit/debit; they even have discounts when using an EBT card! On delivery day, Top Box Foods will text you with live updates and a tracking code, so you never miss a delivery.

Top Box Foods Louisiana

About Top Box Foods

Since 2018, TBFLA has increased access to fresh and affordable foods in Baton Rouge in collaboration with Geaux Get Healthy initiative, a project of Mayor Sharon Broome’s citywide health and wellness program, Healthy BR.

In March of 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Top Box Foods Louisiana immediately transitioned from the traditional MGP pickup model at community hubs in low food access areas to a contact-free home delivery system. Since the transition, TBFLA has delivered 36,186 grocery boxes to 16,264 households throughout New Orleans, Baton Rouge!

Fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all in Baton Rouge & beyond.

Food insecurity is an issue facing families in communities across the country. Nearly one in five children in America lives in households that struggle to put food on the table. Louisiana has the fourth-highest rate of children living in poverty in the country. However, you might never know this because child hunger in America is often invisible. It could be friends, neighbors, and even family members that are struggling with food insecurity. We’re thankful to have an organization like Top Box Foods working in our community to deliver fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all.

Ready to place an order? Visit their brand new website to start shopping! You can also connect with Top Box Foods on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Black History Month in Baton Rouge – Community Resources

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Though February is already a busy holiday month with celebrations of both Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras, it is also Black History Month and a time we can really use to educate our children about the great African-American leaders in our community and around the world. This year I want to encourage you to not only teach your kids about black history in America but about everyone from ancient African rulers to modern-day history makers in our own state. Obviously, slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are both key pieces of the story, but there is much more richness and diversity to be told in regards to black history. Below you will find some useful Black History Month in Baton Rouge community resources. 

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Many recommend two different approaches to teach Black History Month. First, beginning with teaching about pre-historic South Africa or early African Kingdoms to show the true depth and beauty of blackness. Or by starting in the present-day and moving backward in time, introducing children to healthy, relevant, modern examples of black leaders before moving through slavery and then back to Africa. 

Clearly, Louisiana has a deep background in regard to slavery and civil rights, and it’s extremely, extremely important that we educate our kids about these periods of our history. Our children need to learn from our past so we do not repeat the same mistakes, and they need to develop honor and respect for the many people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds and helped make things better.

For example, did you know that the first bus boycott was held right here in Baton Rouge by a group of black citizens fighting the segregated seating system? And what about Ruby Bridges, the first African-American student to attend an all-white public school in the American South, just a few miles below us in New Orleans?

But in addition to those lessons, let’s also include stories of local black artists, inventors, and leaders who have contributed to the greatness of our community and our world. Teach about ancient African rulers who managed thriving economies and cultures like Mana Masu of West Africa. And look at civilizations like the Songhai Empire or Mali Empire.

We can celebrate Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr., but let’s also celebrate Booker T. Washington and Justice Thurgood Marshall. Let’s teach about local heroes like Gus Young and also Leonard Julien. Explore lessons on people like Madame C.J. Walker– a daughter of former slaves who went on to become an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first female self-made millionaire. 

We can celebrate all that black history can teach us and our children, and carry it on through every other month of the year. To help us, I’ve compiled a list of events and local resources that we can use to both celebrate and educate ourselves and our kids about the richness and diversity of African-American history. This list is not exhaustive, but we hope you find it helpful. If you know of any events or resources not listed below, please email us here! 

http://www.whitneyplantation.comPhoto credit: Whitney Plantation

Black History Month in Baton Rouge – Community Resources:

River Road African-American Museum

The River Road African-American Museum in Donaldsonville offers private, guided tours for individuals and groups. For twenty-two years this hidden gem has served as a resource for the people of our community containing items such as historical documents, books, rare photographs, newspaper ads for runaway slaves, sketches of inventors, and information on politicians, soldiers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Whether you are a home school mom, in a co-op, a teacher, or church director, this museum is happy to help guide and educate you on local, rural black history of our area for only $10 per person. Appointments for these tours can be scheduled online or by contacting them at lathe@aamuseum.org or by calling 225.474.5553.

Baton Rouge African-American History Museum 

The Odell S. Williams Now and Then Museum of African-American History was founded in 2001 on South Blvd. as an outgrowth of the congregation’s commitment to promote and educate people about the achievements of African- Americans. It features the following exhibits: art work of local black artists, a collection of rural Louisiana artifacts, a collection of inventions, a historic poster collection, and a walking trail that illustrates art and history. Currently, hours vary. Please check the Facebook page for updates! 

Whitney Plantation

The Whitney Plantation has gained media exposure for being the first and only museum on slavery. Originally known as Habitation Haydel, it is located on River Road in Wallace, Louisiana. Your guide will lead you through the historic Antioch Baptist Church built by former slaves, original outbuildings, slave quarters, and the circa 1790 Big House. You will walk through the oldest detached kitchen in Louisiana and learn about the Haydel family and their workforce of over 100 slaves. To purchase tickets in advance, please call the Visitor Center at 225.265.3300 or purchase online. In addition to the tour, their website also offers many articles can be used to educate your kids or students about the slave trade nationally and locally. 

Louisiana Civil Rights Trail

Louisiana Civil Rights Trail honors the Civil Rights Movement and those who fought fearlessly to make rights real in our state.
Through the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, we respectfully share these amazing stories of pride and courage that is Louisiana’s prominent role in the modern movement.
Inform || Inspire || Invite — that is the goal of the Civil Rights Trail. A Story of Courage. Louisiana’s Civil Rights Story.

The African American Heritage Trail

They blazed many trails. Now retrace their footsteps.
Walk the streets where jazz was born. Learn about America’s first black governor. Hear how enslaved blacks fled the plantations to fight for the Union army. And how one man’s refusal to move from his seat on a train led to a long struggle against segregation and the eventual triumph of the Civil Rights movement. It all happened right here, in a place like no other. Louisiana.

Other ideas include visiting Allendale Plantation Cabins, The Martin Luther King, Jr. monument, and the Port Hudson Battlefield. 

The East BRP Library system has a digital archive full of photographs (with descriptions) pertaining to Black History. Check it out here.

black-history

Black History Month in Baton Rouge Events:

Social Distance Scotland Saturdays for Black History Month Feb 27th 

This Social Distance Scotland Saturdays will begin at 1 pm and end at 4 pm. They plan to have speakers, talent, or special event groups involved to celebrate Black History Month. Located at the Scotlandville Plaza, The Open Market serves as a catalyst for the cultural, historical, and economic growth of the Scotlandville Community. They showcase the very best of the North Baton Rouge area.

If you have any questions please email scotlandsaturdays@gmail.com or visit our website at ssaturdays.com

West Baton Rouge Museum will host several other Black History events including a film series and lunchtime lectures. More information at their website.

The EBRP Library system

LPB is proud to celebrate Black History! 

LPB will bring you a lineup of films and moments, memories and people in Black history that inspire – learn more here. 

 

Suggested Reading Lists:

enhanced-9778-black history month baton rouge

“28 Black Picture Books That Aren’t About Boycotts, Buses or Basketball

“26 Children’s Books That Celebrate Black Heroes”

From Just Read Florida

From Reading Rockets

And check these out, too:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya
Sundiata : An Epic of Old Mali
The Pot of Wisdom: Ananse Stories
Mansa Musa : The Lion of Mali
A Kids Guide to African American History
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride
I am Jackie Robinson
I am Martin Luther King, Jr.
I am Rosa Parks
The Story of Ruby Bridges
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears: A West African Tale
African Princess: The Amazing Lives of Africa’s Royal Women

Mother Son Dance To Go – Benefiting OLOL Children’s Hospital

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This year has been anything but normal, with many events being canceled or going virtual due to COVID. This year, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital has reimagined the Mother-Son Dance into an exclusive “To-Go” box – “Mother-Son Dance To Go!” Moms, you won’t want to miss this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your little prince! Get ready for a Mother-Son fun-filled month of activities!! This also makes the perfect Christmas gift as it can be used anytime from home! 

Each day highlights a different mother and son theme. The box includes playful items for each theme, along with daily recipes, an entertaining booklet, patient stories, a playlist, and creative project ideas for the week.  All proceeds from the Mother-Son Dance will benefit Child Life Services at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

Mother Son Dance To Go

The $100 standard box includes daily themed activities and creative crafts. A $150 VIP box includes the standard box PLUS a specialty mom and son t-shirt. Daily themes include a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, dance party, and a day just for mom. 

Standard Mother Son Dance To Go Box

The standard mother and son box includes playful items (listed below) for each theme, a dance playlist, creative project ideas, daily recipes, and an entertaining booklet. Each box purchased gives you a chance to win fun items during the week like mommy makeover, family vacation, and more.

The items in the box for each day are as follows:

  • Arts & Crafts Day – DIY puzzle, DIY binoculars, K’Nex sticks, 2 mini Play-Doh
  • Treasure Hunt Day – Compass bracelet, mini treasure chest, ring pop, blank treasure map
  • Activity Day – mini bouncy ball, jump rope, DIY frisbee, buildable race car, sidewalk chalk, STEM activity
  • Ice Cream & Pizza Dance Party Day – plastic ice cream scoop, USB disco ball, glow sticks, bow tie, glow-in-he-dark sunglasses.
  • Just for Mom Day – plastic wine glass, nail file, bath bomb, face sheet mask, hair tie

VIP Mother Son Dance To Go Box

The VIP mother and son box includes playful items for each theme (listed below), a dance playlist, creative project ideas, daily recipes, an entertaining booklet plus a specialty mom and son t-shirt, and a disposable camera to commemorate the fun. Each box purchased gives you a chance to win fun items during the week like mommy makeover, family vacation, and more.

The items in the box for each day are as follows:

  • Arts & Crafts Day – DIY puzzle, DIY binoculars, K’Nex sticks, 2 mini Play-Doh
  • Treasure Hunt Day – Compass bracelet, mini treasure chest, ring pop, blank treasure map
  • Activity Day – mini bouncy ball, jump rope, DIY frisbee, buildable race car, sidewalk chalk, STEM activity
  • Ice Cream & Pizza Dance Party Day – plastic ice cream scoop, USB disco ball, glow sticks, bow tie, glow-in-he-dark sunglasses.
  • Just for Mom Day – plastic wine glass, nail file, bath bomb, face sheet mask, hair tie

Click here to purchase your box and view the items plus additional options!

Mother Son Dance To Go

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mother-Son Dance “To-Go”?
The Mother-Son Dance “To-Go” is an opportunity for moms and their sons to spend a fun-filled, memorable week safely from home.
 
Is there an age limit to participate?
Activities provided in the box are for ages up to 13 years old.
 
What are the box prices?
The standard box is $100. The VIP box is $150. The boxes are filled with fun items for each theme, but the VIP box is “extra” special.
 
What is the DOOR PRIZE “to-go”?
Each box purchase is an automatic entry to win these exciting items. There are many fun door prizes that you and your son could win. Like our Facebook event page to learn more!
 
Can I get more chances to win the door prizes “to-go”?
Yes, each time you share photos of you and your son using the hashtag #mothersondancetogo you will receive an additional entry.
 
Are boxes and sponsorships limited?
Yes, boxes and sponsorships are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Can I exchange items or return my box?
All “to-go” items and boxes are a final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.

Mother Son Dance To Go VIP Box

Mother Son Dance To Go VIP Box Giveaway

We have teamed up with OLOL Children’s to host a giveaway for 4 VIP To GoBoxes!! Simply enter via our Rafflecopter Giveaway widget below with more entry options on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

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Tis’ the season to get into the holiday spirit! We are RACKing up Random Acts of Christmas Kindness this season and we would love for you to join us! We are spreading the joy of the holidays by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness each day throughout the month of December. This is the perfect way to enjoy the true reason for the season… family, togetherness, community, and giving!

The best part of taking part in even the smallest act of kindness and or giving is that generosity and kindness are contagious!

Goodness spurs goodness: A single act can influence dozens more.

Please join us for our 6th Annual RACK! We are showering the Baton Rouge community with Christmas Kindness all month long!

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

What is RACK and how does it work?

 It’s a way to infuse holiday spirit in others by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness throughout the month of December! Many do a RACK a day for 25 days leading up to Christmas, an advent of sorts. However, we are asking you to join us in doing what you can, when you can, however big, however small. Be creative and lead with your heart! Most importantly, get the whole family involved!

We have created printable RACK cards in different sizes, simply print and attach them to your RACK.  There are many ways to offer a RACK, we have put together an extensive list of ideas as well as a calendar if you want to follow a list of acts.

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Ideas:

  1. Rake the yard of a neighbor who isn’t able to rake it themselves.  
  2. Make Christmas special for girls and boys…DONATE to Sylvia’s Toys!
  3. Bless your garbage collectors with a treat or small gift card for lunch.
  4. Have your children make the mailman or lady a Thank You card or poster with treats taped to it.
  5. Tape coins on vending machines for snacks, or sodas. The hospital would be a great place for this!
  6. Tape single dollars to items at the dollar store. (plus a dime for tax)
  7. RACK a Red Box by leaving a dollar or two and some popcorn or a candy cane.
  8. Donate items to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
  9. Pack toiletry or snack bags for Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge homeless shelters.
  10. Donate a coat to Pat’s Coats for Kids.
  11. Bake treats and take them to the police station and or fire station with thank you cards for their service. 
  12. Take a break from texting and e-mail. Mail an actual handwritten letter or card to someone you love. Just because.
  13. Send letters or gifts to an assisted living home. Coordinate with your local nursing or retirement home first.
  14. Take get well balloons or flowers to the hospital and leave them with a nurse for someone who is alone.
  15. Fill a Good Samaritans Christmas Box
  16. Tape quarters to laundromat machines.
  17. Leave a basket of Christmas gifts on the doorstep of a family in need.
  18. Leave a $5 bill on the pump at a gas station.
  19. Bring treats to your local urgent care office on Christmas Eve.
  20. Cook a meal and deliver it to someone who could use a meal. Someone who is sick, a new family in the neighborhood or at church, a new mom.
  21. Take a person who’s working on Christmas Eve something special.
  22. Drop off books to give to patients at the OLOL Children’s Hospital.
  23. Drop off a coffee and a treat to a busy mom.
  24. Bring a gift to Santa.
  25. ‘Ding dong ditch’ your neighbors with fresh-baked goods.
  26. Before paying at the grocery store, buy a gift card, and then turn around and hand it to the person behind you or to the cashier.
  27. Leave an extra big tip at a restaurant.
  28. Donate to the local animal shelter. Contact a local animal shelter to find out what they need. (food, blankets, towels, and food bowls, etc.)
  29. Put something you no longer need on Craigslist’s FREE section.
  30. Fill purses you no longer use with toiletries and fun items for men and donate to your local womans shelter. 

Rack Tag printables…

RACK CardsDownload Medium RACK Cards HERE.

RACK Christmas TagDownload Small RACK Cards HERE.

Small RACK CircleDownload XSmall Circle TACK Tags HERE

 

 A RACK Advent calendar can be found here.

 More cards and tags can be found here.

It’s our responsibility to discuss gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and service not just during the holidays but year-round. We are our children’s greatest role models — we should start early to mold our children’s perspectives on the holiday season. May we create such treasured memories of family time and togetherness, and the joy of giving, that our children will hold on to these memories for a lifetime and pass them on to their own children.

If we missed a great RACK idea, please leave it in the comments below!

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas Season full of RACK!

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Giving Tuesday Baton Rouge and Beyond – 225 Gives

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Baton Rouge Family Fun was created to support families in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Our hope has always been that as we with the hope that we could find ways to collectively give back to the place we call home. Last year we started a series “Baton Rouge Gives Back” when many of you asked for ways to help and volunteer right here in our community.

Today is Giving Tuesday #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that brings people together around the values of service and giving back to others, the perfect time to bring back our Baton Rouge Gives Back series where we highlight local nonprofits. 225 Gives.

Our local Giving Tuesday effort, 225 Gives highlights local nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. As part of our series, we will be hosting a “225 Gives” takeover across our website and our social media platforms. Throughout the day, we will highlight some of the organizations taking part in this year’s “225 Give”. You can also go to 225gives.org to learn more about the participating organizations!

225 GIVES, presented by Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) and Capital Area United Way (CAUW), is a 24-hour online giving day taking place December 1, 2020 with a one week early giving period set to open on Tuesday, November 24th. 225 GIVES has set a goal of helping generate over $4,225,000 for area nonprofits. This powerful online fundraising initiative will unite the Capital Region in support of the nonprofit community.
 
225 Gives

This holiday season and throughout the year we can make a difference right here at home by giving and or volunteering.  There are over 100 nonprofit organizations to support in the Baton Rouge area. Make it a family effort, go through the list of organizations, and ask the kids who they would like to support and why. There is no better way to teach our children that we value our community and our neighbors than by giving back as a family.

Collectively, we can strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need; our efforts will in turn help create a stronger, healthier Baton Rouge for all! Join your neighbors today and become part of a growing tradition of helping and giving. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn more about this year’s 225 Gives Baton Rouge participants!

Hurricane Laura Relief: How to Help Louisiana Victims

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Hurricane Laura was the strongest of any hurricane making landfall in Louisiana since the Last Island Storm in 1856, according to NBC meteorologist Bill Karins said. The storm has seen over 580,000 coastal residents placed under evacuation orders, while nearly 470,000 homes and businesses were left without power, as the hurricane made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday. We’ve put together a list of Hurricane Laura Relief organizations directly helping those impacted by the storm. 

Hurricane Laura Relief

Hurricane Laura Relief – How You Can Help:

Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana: The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is raising money to issue grants to local non-profits that will help people recover from Hurricane Laura.

The Salvation Army: Your donation helps keep The Salvation Army on the front-lines, buying meals, drinks, snacks, and other critical commodities desperately needed by survivors and rescue workers.  For more information, visit  www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.  Or if you or someone you know needs to talk, please call our emotional & spiritual care hotline at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673).

Catholic Charities USA: Your support helps people through the immediate aftermath and continues helping them as they work through the long process of recovery. 100% of donations go to relief efforts through this link. 

Save The Children: Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.

Second Harvest Food Bank – Feeding South Louisiana: The team stands ready to respond to Hurricane Laura. They are in need of volunteers to help prepare meals for this devastating storm. Please consider signing up or donating at no-hunger.org/volunteer

Delgado Athletics: the Delgado Athletic Department is relaunching its Delgado Cares Project, which will be collecting gift cards of any denomination that can be shared directly with those impacted by the storm.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.

Direct Relief USA: Direct Relief offers prescription drugs and other medical supplies to those who need it in emergency situations, and works with clinics and primary care doctors to ensure that people are able to get what they need when they need it. 

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area (AAVA)
 

Bethany Church: Bethany is focusing our finances and manpower on feeding thousands of displaced people and helping to muck out flooded homes and churches. They are partnering with organizations to make efforts more efficient.

Fine and Dandy in Gonzales: My husband and I will be collecting items Friday from 10-5, Saturday 10-2, and Sunday 12-4 pm at the storefront location 38011 HWY 621, next to Ace Hardware. We will be delivering these items to needed communities Monday. If you feel it in your heart to help, here is an Amazon wish list you can order from, or a list of needed items that can be purchased and dropped at the store during those set times.
 

Louisiana Hospitality Foundation The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is planning to deploy resources shortly after Hurricane Laura’s landfall to provide hot meals for first responders and community members impacted across southwest Louisiana. Please consider donating to help offset the costs of this effort: https://louisianahospitalityfoundation.org/laura/

Samaritan’s Purse : Samaritan’s Purse is deploying staff members and one of our Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief units to Lake Charles, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

We will continue updating this list daily as we receive news of more ways to help and assist the victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Louisiana Storm Preparedness: Sandbags, Checklists & Resources

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Tropical storms Laura and Marco will likely make landfall in Louisiana as hurricanes within the next few days. Residents are urged to have an emergency plan in place. Having been through hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita, Issac, and the Great Flood of 2016, natural disasters are something we have become accustomed to preparing for. For those unsure of where to start, our handy guide can walk you through your preparations – Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness resources can also be found below. we will update as more information becomes available. 

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness Useful Links

Baton Rouge Sandbag locations:

Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags.

EAST BATON ROUGE

  • BREC Airline Highway Fairgrounds – 16072 Airline Highway
  • BREC Alsen Park – 601 Old Rafe Mayer Road
  • BREC Cadillac Street – 6117 Cadillac Street
  • BREC Doyles Bayou Park – 7801 Port Hudson-Pride Road
  • BREC Flannery Road Park – 801 S Flannery Road
  • BREC Hartley-Vey at Gardere Park – 1702 Gardere Lane
  • BREC Lovett Road Park – 13443 Lovett Road
  • BREC Memorial Stadium – 1702 Foss Street

ASCENSION PARISH

More than 40,000 pre-filled sand bags are available in C-Cans at the following locations:

  • Prairieville Fire Department, 14517 LA-73, Prairieville
  • 5th Ward Fire Department, 39110 LA-22, Darrow
  • 7th District Fire Department Station 71,13432 Roddy Rd, Gonzales
  • Butch Gore Memorial Park, 14550 Harry Savoy Rd., St. Amant
  • Ascension Parish Fire Protection District No. 1, 13192 Airline Hwy., Gonzales
  • Stevens Park, 4323 Cannon Road, Gonzales
  • Donaldsonville – DPW West, 725 Church Street, Donaldsonville
  • Jackie Robinson Memorial Park, 35638 Coco Road, Geismar

Stay informed! For more information contact MOHSEP at (225) 389-2100, follow Red Stick Ready (@RedStickReady) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter, and download the Red Stick Ready mobile application – free on Apple and Android devices by searching “Red Stick Ready”. Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags. Real-time information about the locations can also be found at: http://gis.brla.gov/emergency

School Closings: 

East Baton Rouge:
No virtual classes will be scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. EBR Schools ask that parents have students log-in to the classes and review work.

Diocese of Baton Rouge schools:
Closed until Monday, August 31.

Ascension Parish Public Schools:
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Central Community Schools:
Closed In-person and virtual, Monday and Tuesday.

Livingston Parish Schools:
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Zachary Schools:
Closed Monday and Tuesday

West Baton Rouge Schools:
Closed Monday and Tuesday

East Feliciana Parish Public Schools:
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools
Closed Monday August 24th

List of Flood-Prone Baton Rouge Streets

 Attempting to pass through the barricades once they have placed across the street is a traffic violation that will be enforced. Try to prepare for heavy rain, possible flooding, and power outages. Avoid driving if possible. Call (225) 389-2000 for non-emergency issues or 311 for high water, power outage, and downed trees in your area.

Baton Rouge Flooding

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

This Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide is an excellent, comprehensive resource! From identifying the most likely risks to providing sheltering information, evacuation routes, listing supplies to identifying special needs and more. This Guide should be YOUR Guide to personal planning and business planning.

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness

Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Apps

  • Red Stick Ready (iOS) The East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness strives to provide critical information to the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish to help them prepare for, respond to and recover from all emergency situations. The got to resource for Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness.
  • iMapWeather Radio (iOS) this is by far my favorite app but it does cost $9.99.  You will receive critical voice and text alerts on threatening weather events. Your iPhone will “wake up” and also “follow you” with alerts wherever you go. Listen to local weather forecasts while you are on the move. Enjoy the power of a NOAA Weather Radio, with all the convenience and precision of a smart phone. Winner of MediaPost’s Appy Award in the weather category.
  • Hurricane Tracker –(iOS) $2.99 offers detailed storm maps, National Hurricane Center info, threat level maps, audio/video forecast updates, real-time feeds and push alerts.
  • Hurricane — (iOS) FREE American Red Cross for both Android or iOS is a newer, totally free addition to Android’s growing hurricane-tracking stable, but it’s more than just a tracker — this app lets you “monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out.
  • FEMA Install the FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices.
  • StopDisaster-   $1.99 If you can’t stop the calamity, you can stop it from turning into a disaster if you are organized. The app provides a handy series of items you’ll need on hand for various emergencies – floods, earthquakes, high winds etc.
  • Phone Aid –  $1.99 CPR is one of the things not covered by most basic preparedness courses (it’s standalone training) this app offers a series of slideshows that will help jog your memory if you’ve done CPR training and, if not, provides some first aid measures to do while you wait for emergency services.
  • Disaster Alert – (Andriod) – Disaster Alert (by PDC) – Current global disaster info on an interactive map Disaster Alert (by PDC), Active Hazards on an interactive map and in a list as they are occurring around the globe.  Additional hazard information can be viewed and shared.

Preparation Before the Storm:

  • — Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.
  • — Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
  • — Clear gutters of debris.
  • — Reinforce the garage door.
  • — Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
  • — Fill a bathtub with water.
  • — Get full tank of gas in one car.
  • — Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
  • — Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
  • — Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.
  • — Store important documents — passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds — in a watertight container.
  • — Have a current inventory of household property.
  • — Leave a note to say where you are going.
  • — Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
  • — If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for residence.

Emergency Preparedness list:

  • — A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
  • — Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.
  • — A can opener.
  • — Flashlight(s).
  • — A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
  • — Extra batteries.
  • — A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly, having the best inversion table for back pain is also a plus and it will help a lot with any pain emergencies.
  • — A small fire extinguisher.
  • — A seven-day supply of medications.
  • — Vitamins.
  • — A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
  • — Cell phones and chargers.
  • — Contact information for the family.
  • — A sleeping bag for each person.
  • — Extra cash.
  • — A silver foil emergency blanket.
  • — A map of the area.
  • — Baby supplies.
  • — Pet supplies.
  • — Wet wipes.
  • — A camera (to document storm damage).
  • — Insect repellent.
  • — Rain gear.
  • — Tools and supplies for securing your home.
  • — Plastic sheeting.
  • — Duct tape.
  • — Dust masks.
  • — An extra set of house keys.
  • — An extra set of car keys.
  • — An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
  • — Household bleach.
  • — Paper cups, plates and paper towels.
  • — Activities for children.
  • — Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

Recover

  • Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
  • Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.

Sources: Redstick Ready, American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center – Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive – Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army is joining forces with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus” for children in need. During this year’s Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive event, shoppers visiting a Walmart on August 7-9 can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store. The goal is to provide new school supplies to children in need of a fresh start to the school year. 

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for families. For one in five children living in poverty, parents often have to choose between buying school supplies or putting food on the table. Now, there are even more unknowns as children return to learning in the midst of COVID-19. Whether they’re attending class online or in the classroom, school supplies remain critical to helping students feel prepared to succeed.  

The Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive is the perfect way for our community to come together to help support those that may be struggling to gather supplies for the upcoming school year.  

 

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years with a common mission: to meet needs in their local communities. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services that help them overcome poverty and economic hardships.

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive

When: August 7-9, 2020

Where: Walmart

Baker – Plank Road
College Drive
O’ Neal Lane
North Mall
Central- Sullivan Road
Highland- Neighborhood Market
Coursey Blvd- Neighborhood Market
Hooper Road- Neighborhood Market
Bew Roads- Hospital Road

This year, the campaign in Baton Rouge is one of more than 4,500 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country.

All donations made at Stuff the Bus campaign events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to children in need.