Backpack program aids Lafourche school students

In times of crisis, adults frantically work to solve problems in their lives, sometimes without realizing the toll it takes on their children.

For that reason, Louisiana First Lady Supriya Jindal gave school bags filled with school supplies to south Lafourche children last Tuesday at Galliano and Golden Meadow elementary schools.

“As the events began to unfold in the Gulf, we began to realize that not only our wildlife and our fisheries would be affected, but the children would be affected as well,” said Jindal. “The children are witnessing everything that’s happening at home. They’re witnessing all the discussions that are taking place at home, changes in income, changes in job security, the moratorium and the impact that’s had on families.”

Jindal brought more than 700 school bags – 450 to Galliano and 275 to Golden Meadow. Students at the respective schools were invited to stop by, meet the First Lady and take home a backpack.

“It’s so great to see these children excited to go back to school and get their supplies,” the First Lady said.

Among the items packed in each bag were markers, scissors, glue, paper, rulers, folders, erasers, pencils and a children’s book – supplies that can go a long way to help families affected economically by the oil spill.

“It was nice, and we really appreciated it,” said Burnedette Jordan, parent of a Galliano Elementary student. “It’s going to help a lot. We can’t afford [school supplies] right now.”

And with so many supplies jam-packed into a school bag, some small children struggled to drag it home.

“This is heavy,” said Galliano Elementary Pre-K student Mason Allemand, referring to his school bag.

The school’s principal, Ragan Lorraine, said, fortunately, the supplies should last students a while, and will be mostly stored in the classroom or at home and won’t have to be lugged around each day.

“Our students are very excited to meet Mrs. Jindal, and this is a unique experience,” Lorraine said of last week’s encounter. “We are very glad that she wants to support the community in this tough economic time. We want to thank Mrs. Jindal for supporting education.”

The First Lady began this program at the end of June and has been receiving donations statewide and nationwide from civic groups, organizations and churches.

“The generosity of people across our state has been amazing, and we’ve had people from all across the country contact us to get involved,” Jindal said.

Collections of school supplies continue at the state capitol. Jindal’s goal is to hand a supply-filled backpack to 2,500 and partial supplies to 5,000 students in every Louisiana coastal parish affected by the spill.

“This was awesome,” Galliano Pre-K student Jude Messer said, displaying his new backpack. “I’m going to use this stuff for school.”

Louisiana First Lady Supriya Jindal hands a backpack filled with school supplies to Galliano Elementary Pre-K student Mason Allemand. Jindal brought more than 700 backpacks to Galliano and Golden Meadow elementary schools last Tuesday. RICHARD FISCHER