It may seem like it's a long way away - but it's not!
School will be starting in a few weeks and groups around Acadiana are announcing events where kids can get ready, parents can pick up school supplies or you can help by donating.
Here's the list of events we have so far, grouped by parish. If you don't see your event here but you'd like it listed, send us an email at news@katctv.com
MULTIPLE PARISHES
Brookshire Grocery Co. is helping students and teachers prepare for the upcoming school year through its third annual Supplies for Schools donatioon drive. Through Aug. 25, customers at all Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market, FRESH by Brookshire’s, Reasor’s and FRESH by Reasor’s stores can donate any amount to support local schools at checkout. Donations will be given to a school in each store’s community to help provide school supplies for students during the 2026-2027 school year. The annual campaign supports BGC’s commitment to strengthening education and helping students have the resources they need to succeed.
“Education is one of the most important investments we can make in our communities,” said Jerry LeClair, Interim CEO of BGC. “Through the generosity of our customers, employeepartners and communities, the Supplies for Schools campaign helps provide students with the tools they need to start the school year ready to learn.”
BGC encourages customers to join in supporting local students and schools during the Supplies for Schools campaign
The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, lnc. Rho Omicron Chapter will be partnering with local barbers in lberia, st. Martin, and st. Mary parishes to provide free haircuts to school age young men at the following locations:
Sunday August 2, 2026, 11:00 am -2:00 pm at West End Park, New lberia, La,
Monday August 3, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Franklin City Park Recreation Center, Franklin, La, Sunday
August 9th, noon - 4 pm at J's Kuttin Above the Rest 809 S. Main St., St. Martinville, La and also Sunday
August 9th noon - 3 pm at King Joseph Recreation Center located 701 Hebert St. Jeanererete, La which will not only provide haircuts to young men but also provide hair styles for the young ladies.
Also the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. Rho Omicron Chapter will be registering young men during the Kutts for Kids events grades 5th-11th for their annual Youth Steam Academy and Mentorship program which will run throughout the upcoming school year. The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Rho Omicron Chapter will be working with these young men to develop the necessary skills that are needed in today's society to become successful young men in all walks of life. Registration is freel! lf you are unable to register during the Kutts for Kids events you can call Bishop Darren Sophus at 337-265-3715 for more information on how to sign-up a young man for the program
IBERIA PARISH
The Teche Growers Association invites families from across Iberia Parish to kick off the new school year at its Ag After Hours: Back to School Bash, a free community event on Wed., Aug. 12, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Harvest Room (301 W. St. Peter St.). Designed to bring the community together as students return to the classroom, the Back to School Bash will feature school supply giveaways, family-friendly games and activities, educational resources, local organizations, raffles, and more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and while admission is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. RSVP here for the Back to School Bash. [9uiduvhab.cc.rs6.net] The Teche Growers Association has set an ambitious goal of providing 100 fully stocked backpacks to local students and 20–40 appreciation giveaways for teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
"This event is about more than just school supplies," said Griffin Landry, Director of the Teche Growers Association. "It's about bringing our community together to support students, recognize our educators, and help families start the school year on a positive note. We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in making a real difference for Iberia Parish."
Sponsorships: Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event are encouraged to reach out. Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable community recognition while directly supporting local students and educators.
The Association is currently seeking community support through:
- School supply donations
- Business sponsorships ($150–$500)
- Community partners
- Collection and drop-off locations
- Volunteers
- Educational resource providers
- Service vendors, including face painters, activity providers, games, and other family-friendly attractions
Other Events: The Back to School Bash is part of Ag After Hours, the Teche Growers Association's monthly community engagement series, which brings residents together through educational, networking, and family-focused events at The Harvest Room. Following the Back to School Bash, the Teche Growers Association will host its inaugural Harvest on the Teche community festival on Sat., Sept. 12, celebrating the region's agriculture, food, and culture. Those interested in donating, sponsoring, volunteering, serving as a collection site, or providing educational resources are encouraged to contact the Teche Growers Association.
Here's a flyer:
The Forever Oshaun Foundation is hosting its “Skating for Success” Back-to-School Drive on Saturday, August 8, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at the Ward 8 Recreation Center in Jeanerette. The first 100 registered children (Pre-K–6th grade) will receive free skating, food, music, giveaways, and access to barbers and hairstylists to help them prepare for the new school year.
Here's a flyer:
JEFF DAVIS PARISH
Never Alone's Back-to-School Backpack Drive is set for Friday, August 7, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Marcus Cain Park in Jennings.
"This event is about more than distributing backpacks, uniforms & school supplies it’s about showing our children and families that they are seen, valued, and supported by their community. We believe that when community leaders, businesses, churches, organizations, and neighbors come together, we can create lasting hope and make a meaningful impact," organizers say.
- Event: Never Alone Back-to-School Backpack Drive
- Date: Friday, August 7
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Marcus Cain Park, Jennings, LA
LAFAYETTE PARISH
Here's an event set for August 8 in Lafayette:
Affordable Home Furnishings will run its annual Back-to-School Giveaway event. This year, the company is giving away brand-new backpacks at all of its retail locations, free of charge. The giveaway is open to the public, with no purchase necessary to participate. Affordable Home Furnishing is launching this initiative to ensure local children head back to the classroom equipped for success.
"Our communities are the reason we've been in business for more than 30 years," said Joey Thompson, Regional Manager at Affordable Home Furnishings. "Their support has allowed us to grow, and this backpack giveaway is one small way we can give back."
Starting July 27th, families are encouraged to visit their nearest Affordable Home Furnishings showroom to claim their free backpack. Inventory is limited, so backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. For more information about the giveaway, to find the nearest showroom location, or to browse Affordable Home Furnishings' latest seasonal deals, please visit https://www.theaffordableway.com/ [theaffordableway.com] or follow the brand on Facebook @Affordablehomefurnishings and Instagram @theaffordableway.
ST. LANDRY PARISH
Here are two events set for St. Landry Parish:
Local small business owner and community leader Joey Richard is hosting a neighborhood Back-to-School Charity Drive at Holliwood Cutz Barber Shop on Monday, August 10, 2026. To help local families ease the financial burden of returning to school, Holliwood Cutz and local partners will provide:
Free Youth Haircuts: Provided by local barbers for K–12 students.
Free Backpacks & School Supplies: Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Our goal is simple: make sure every child walks into their classroom on day one feeling confident, prepared, and supported by their community," says Joey Richard, proprietor of Holliwood Cutz. "Leadership isn't just about talking—it's about showing up for our youth and our families."
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Holliwood Cutz Back-to-School Community Drive
When: Monday, August 10, 2026 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Holliwood Cutz Barber Shop, 315 W Landry St Opelousas La 70570
Cost: 100% Free and open to the public
For more information, to donate supplies, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please contact Joey Richard at 337 739 5658or HolliwoodCutzLLC@yahoo.com
