As the start of a new school year approaches, the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jena Police Department are once again joining forces to help local students through their annual “Fill the Cruiser – Back to School Supply Drive.”

The community-wide initiative encourages residents to donate school supplies that will be distributed to students throughout LaSalle Parish before classes begin.

A LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol unit has been parked outside the Jena Walmart, where the vehicle’s back window has been left partially open to allow shoppers to place newly purchased school supplies directly into the cruiser.

All donated supplies will be collected and distributed among every school in LaSalle Parish, helping ensure students have the tools they need for a successful school year.

For residents living in the Olla, Urania, and Tullos areas who may not be able to travel to Jena, donations can also be dropped off at the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office substation in Olla.

Sheriff Lane Windham and Jena Police Chief Scott McLendon are encouraging the community to support the effort and help make a positive impact on local students and teachers.

The first donation of the campaign was made by Dee Daniels, who officially kicked off the supply drive by placing school supplies into the waiting patrol vehicle.

Officials expressed their appreciation for the community’s continued generosity and support.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support for our schools,” the agencies said in a joint announcement.

The “Fill the Cruiser” campaign has become a popular back-to-school tradition in LaSalle Parish, giving residents an easy way to help ensure students across the parish begin the new school year equipped with essential classroom supplies.

---