By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The second annual Backpack Extravaganza saw a tremendous jump in participants on Saturday, as many residents and their children were lined up outside the doors of Regala Park Gynasium long before the 10 a.m. start time.
Inside, children received a variety of supplies and treats: Air Express mesh backpacks in an assortment of colors, folders, glue sticks, pencils and pens were given away at booths run by both parish officials and private citizens. There were also hygiene kits, toothbrushes and toothpaste, finger print kits and healthy snacks. Attendees also had the chance to participate in a two raffles for a laptop and a TI-84 scientific calculator.
The event was organized in conjuction with several parish agencies: St. John the Baptist Parish government, council, the health and human services department, sheriff’s office and library. Various community sponsors such as Eliza Eugene Enterprises, District Attorney Tom Daley, Riverlands Insurance Agency, United Way of St. John and Elmwood Fitness Center also contributed to the event.
Event organizer, Eliza Eugene, said that she was happy to see so many participants this year. More than 300 children and their families attended the event. Eugene said that she is enthused that her organization, Blessed to be a Blessing, can contribute something to the community.
“We’re honored just to be a part of giving back. I believe that ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’ so we all have an obligation to reach back and to help our kids. Because they are our kids, this is our future,” she said.
Eugene said she also grew up in an underpriveleged family.
“I, myself, growing up in public housing as one of the underprivileged children, realize the impact the backpack giveaway can have on a family. So we’re excited, not only about the backpacks and school supplies, but to provide so many resources that have been made available for families here in St. John Parish. This was a great community effort,” said Eugene.
Though this is the second year her organization organized a giveway with the parish, Eugene said Blessed to be a Blessing will be holding a separate school supply giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Covenant Church in Destrehan from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations are still being accepted. For more information about the giveway or donations, contact Eugene by phone at 985-359-9954 or by email at eliza@elizaeugene.com.
Members of the Phi Iota Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi, in conjunction with St. John Parish, will host another school supply giveaway at the Regala Park Gymnasium on Saturday. The giveway will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will also include a blood drive.