Back-to-School Extravaganza event prepares over 225 kids for new school year 

LANSING, Mich. – Over 225 local children in grades K-12 received free backpacks and school supplies as part of LAFCU’s second annual Back-to-School Extravaganza event at The Village Lansing. The number of backpacks handed out in 2023 was more than double last year’s count.

                “We understand the financial stress parents and caregivers are under, particularly due to inflation and the current cost of living,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU's community financial education & business development officer. “This annual event aims to unite the entire community to help support local families and make things easier and less stressful. From those who graciously donate supplies to organizations partnering together to the volunteers who show up for the event, we all have the same goal: to alleviate some of that financial burden for the adults and provide tools to help kids thrive during a new school year.”

LAFCU, The Village Lansing and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK continue to unite as a force for good by organizing the annual Back-to-School Extravaganza event and engaging local community members and other businesses to donate back-to-school supplies ranging from pencils and notebooks to personal hygiene products like toothpaste and shampoo. Donations were asked to be dropped off at LAFCU’s 10 mid-Michigan branches. “Now in its second year, the Back-to-School Extravaganza has already positively impacted over 325 local schoolchildren,” Scott said.

LAFCU, The Village Lansing and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK continue to unite as a force for good by organizing the annual Back-to-School Extravaganza event and engaging local community members and other businesses to donate back-to-school supplies ranging from pencils and notebooks to personal hygiene products like toothpaste and shampoo. Donations were asked to be dropped off at LAFCU’s 10 mid-Michigan branches. “Now in its second year, the Back-to-School Extravaganza has already positively impacted over 325 local schoolchildren,” Scott said.”

About LAFCU
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. It was named a Best Credit Union to Work For in 2020. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.

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Photo captions

Back to School Extravaganza_1.jpg — Among those who helped distribute donated school supplies and essentials were staff from The Village Lansing, LAFCU, Capital Area District Library, and local high school students. 

Back to School Extravaganza_2.jpg —Volunteers from LAFCU, The Village Lansing, and the Capital Area District Library organize supplies before nearly 400 attendees arrive for the second annual Back-to-School Extravaganza giveaway event held at The Village Lansing. 

Back to School Extravaganza_3.jpg — The community donated hundreds of essential supplies for this year's Back-to-School Extravaganza giveaway event, including new backpacks and personal hygiene products as well as clothes from the Fretail Store and Covering Kidz, and shoes from Footprints of Michigan.  

Back to School Extravaganza_4.jpg — Everett High School student Teddy Holguin volunteers during the Back-to-School Extravaganza giveaway event, which provided essential supplies for 225 K-12 students from Lansing and surrounding areas.