LAPLACE — Louisiana Federal Credit Union recently packed pirogues full of school supplies and donated them to local classrooms in need.

Credit union staff, members and business partners donated supplies as part of their inaugural Pack the Pirogue initiative.

A classroom from each parish was nominated by the community, and Erin Duhe’s kindergarten class at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School was chosen as the recipient in St. John the Baptist Parish.

“Too often we hear that the kids in our communities have to start the school year without the basic necessities,” Credit Union President and CEO Rhonda Hotard said. “For the 2nd year in a row, we are proud to be able to help these kids by providing them with the much-needed supplies that will support their success in learning.

“We accepted 1,100 pieces of school supplies from our members and our staff and because of their generous giving, we are helping kids to grow and learn. Something as small as a pack of crayons or a notebook makes all the difference in the world and knowing that we can make a big difference in such a small way is so powerful.”