Shreveport, LA (August 12, 2026)—Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA) is helping Caddo Parish high school students start the school year prepared and confident through its continued participation in Operation Backpack®, providing essential school supplies and backpacks to students served through its Communities In Schools (CIS) program at Booker T. Washington High School and Woodlawn High School.
“Back-to-school expenses can place a significant burden on families, particularly as the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise,” said Jenesis Gibson, Vice President of Children and Family Services at VOANLA. “Providing students with the tools they need is one simple but meaningful way we can help remove a barrier and allow them to focus on what matters most- learning, growing and reaching their goals.”
This year at Booker T. Washington, VOANLA’s efforts are part of Set Up for Success, a pilot collaboration among nonprofit organizations, businesses, government leaders and community partners to help students start the school year ready to learn. The initiative grew out of a community convening hosted by Chase, where partners identified opportunities to better coordinate back-to-school drives, reduce duplication, and ensure students receive the supplies they need.
As part of the initiative, community partners worked together to ensure Booker T. Washington High School students received backpacks filled with the items on their required school supply lists. VOANLA contributed backpacks through Operation Backpack® and its partnership with Communities In Schools.
“Every student deserves to walk into the classroom on the first day feeling prepared, confident and ready to learn,” said Carolyn Hammond, VOANLA President and CEO. “Through Operation Backpack and our partnership with Communities In Schools, VOANLA is proud to support students at Booker T. Washington and Woodlawn High Schools. When we come together as a community to make sure students have the supplies they need, we are doing more than filling backpacks. We are creating brighter beginnings and removing barriers to success.”
VOANLA’s participation in Operation Backpack® builds on its ongoing commitment to supporting children and families throughout North Louisiana. Through its licensed partnership with Communities In Schools, VOANLA works directly with students at schools across Caddo Parish, providing resources and supportive services designed to help students overcome barriers and stay on the path toward graduation.
Operation Backpack® would not be possible without the generosity of community partners, donors, and volunteers who recognize the importance of investing in local students. Through collaborative efforts such as Set Up for Success, community organizations can work together to expand their reach and create a greater impact for students and families.
VOANLA is proud to be part of a community committed to ensuring that students begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to succeed.