School supply drive helps children in need - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Shrinking school budgets have parents filling in the gaps with longer school supply lists, but not all parents can afford it, letting the buck fall on teachers.

For some kids, getting school supplies is as simple as picking out what you like, but for other kids the process isn't as simple. "There have been many times that children have come through the door, unprepared with the supplies that they've needed." said Teresa Hibbets, who is a school supply store owner and former educator. She says not all parents can afford the lengthy school supply lists putting the burden on teachers to fill the gaps, an experience Teresa has felt first hand.

"When you have a heart for teaching children, you're not going to let that child sit in a desk and not have adequate supplies" said Hibbets. Not being prepared for school, can make kids feel out of place and behind. Which is why the Ouachita Federal Credit Union is holding a school supply drive Friday. "It's going to take everybody in the community, businesses and individuals alike coming together, making donations, bringing us schools supplies, so we can help these people that are in need." said Mistie Caples of the Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union.

The credit union is hoping to raise 11 thousand in cash and provide school supplies for 400 needy students in 55 schools. "We are a credit union who loves to serve our community and this is what it's all about. It's taking care of our children within our community." said Caples.

"My hearts just been broken, to watch the sadness on a child's face, they shouldn't have to experience something like that." added Hibbets.

The Sunny School Supply bus will be here at the KNOE Studios Friday morning from 11 in the morning to 5:30pm accepting school supplies donations. Raising Cane's and Debbie's Snowballs will be giving out free lemonade and snow cones to those who donate.