LANSING, Mich. — More than 1,100 Lansing-area students are heading back to school prepared, thanks to LAFCU’s leadership in supporting two major community backpack giveaways in one weekend. By providing essential supplies, the credit union helped ease the financial strain on both parents and teachers at a time when Michigan educators spend more out-of-pocket on classroom needs than almost anywhere else in the nation.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, Michigan teachers spend an average of $628 of their own money each year on classroom supplies—the second highest rate in the country, behind only California. By ensuring children receive the tools they need, LAFCU’s support lightens the burden for families while also reducing the pressure on teachers to fill supply gaps themselves.
The credit union’s impact was felt across two large-scale events:
Back-to-School Extravaganza at The Village Lansing — LAFCU’s fourth annual event, held in partnership with The Village Lansing and Two Men and A Truck, provided more than 300 backpacks complete with school supplies and personal care items donated at LAFCU’s 10 mid-Michigan branches and other collection sites. Since launching in 2022, this event has supported more than 600 children.
Backpack Giveaway honoring Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson — Sponsored by the Brotherhood Against Drugs, which is headed by Founder and President Larry Johnson, this event distributed more than 800 backpacks at St. Joseph Park. Families also received shoes, free haircuts, school physicals, and connections to community resources. The giveaway honors Dr. Johnson, affectionately known as “Triple J,” for her decades of service as Lansing’s director of human relations and community services.
The Backpack Giveaway honoring Dr. Johnson also celebrated 35 children who completed the “Magic of Literacy” summer reading program, which focused on assisting families and children that immerse themselves in reading sessions, interactive activities, and one on one focus support, to increase their reading proficiency for K-3 students. Each child received a graduation certificate and a new pair of shoes to celebrate their achievement.
“LAFCU serves and supports people of modest means, and that commitment extends well beyond financial services,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU community financial education and business development officer. “By stepping up as a partner and donor, we can ease the rising costs families face and help teachers focus on teaching instead of paying out-of-pocket. When we invest in children and support families, we’re helping the whole community thrive.”
Photo captions
1- LAFCU_Crowd.jpg — LAFCU and the community donated hundreds of essential supplies for this year’s Back-to-School Extravaganza giveaway event, including new backpacks and personal hygiene products. Crowds gathered at the event to fill backpacks with the donated supplies.
2-LAFCU_GroupShot.jpg — (From left to right) Volunteers Tamera Carter, Shelia Scott, Clarice Lewis and LaToya Scott, were all smiles at LAFCUs Back-to-School Extravaganza as they gave away over 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to students.
3-LAFCU_Setup.jpg — Among those who helped organize and distribute donated school supplies and essentials at LAFCUs fourth annual Back-to-School Extravaganza were staff from The Village Lansing and LAFCU.
4-LAFCU_Children.jpg — Children line up at the Backpack Giveaway honoring Dr. Johnson to receive graduation certificates and new shoes after completing the “Magic of Literacy” summer reading program. LAFCU supported the event to help provide children with tools for success.
5-LAFCU_Backpack Giveaway.jpg — Children and families gather at the Backpack Giveaway to receive backpacks, school supplies, food and entertainment. LAFCU took part in the event to support children and families preparing for the new school year
