Denise Durel, President/CEO of the United Way SWLA, visited M. J. Kaufman Elementary School delivering Literacy Kits to each student. Literacy Kits inspire a love for reading and creativity in the children who receive them. Each kit includes one book and volunteer designed props, games, or other activities to make the reading interactive

The Festival’s Charity Partner, United Way of Southwest Louisiana

For 82 years, United Way of Southwest Louisiana has been committed to building strong, successful families and strengthening our community. When you donate to the United Way, you’re supporting a powerful movement to impact the region’s most pressing health and human service needs.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana is an authority on recognizing, measuring and mobilizing the resources to target community needs in Southwest Louisiana with a focus on Education, Economic Mobility, Health and Basic Needs.

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana community is on the Gulf of Mexico coast of Louisiana and the Texas border, including the following parishes: Allen parish, Beauregard parish, Calcasieu parish, Cameron parish and Jefferson Davis parish.

Charitable donations can be made directly to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Build Back The Block is United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s neighborhood revitalization Initiative for the ALICE population in portions of Southwest Louisiana damaged by Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Winter Storm Uri or May flooding of 2021.