Local Businesses and Community “Pack the Bus” for Local Students

For Immediate Release

August 5, 2026

For more information, please contact:

Jerry Ledet, 985-851-3341

Local Businesses and Community “Pack the Bus” for Local Students

Houma, LA – Synergy Bank and H.O.P.E. Ministry of Pointe Coupee hosted their 3 rd annual school supply drive benefiting Pointe Coupee Parish students in need. With the help of the community, hundreds of school supply items were collected

for distribution through the school district.

“Synergy Bank is honored to work with other community-minded businesses and H.O.P.E. Ministry to help local families in need,” Jerry Ledet, Synergy Bank President and CEO, said. “The school supplies donated are used throughout the year

to give students resources needed to thrive in school. We’re proud that this impactful project continues to grow each

year.”

Throughout the month of July, community members and businesses collected school supplies for the drive. At the end of July, Synergy Bank and H.O.P.E. Ministry representatives traveled by school bus to each drop-off location to “pack the

bus” with the donated supplies. Supplies were then sorted, divided equally, and delivered to Pointe Coupee Parish School District. Collected supplies included notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, markers, crayons, backpacks,

glue sticks, erasers, folders, binders, and much more.

“Having spent many years in education, I know that having school supplies can make a tremendous difference in a student’s confidence and readiness to learn,” said Cindy O’Meara, H.O.P.E. Ministry of Pointe Coupee Advisory Board

Member and Volunteer. “We are thankful for the continued support of Synergy Bank and our community, whose generosity makes this meaningful initiative possible.”

We thank the many local businesses that participated and assisted with the Pack the Bus School Supply Drive, including:

Bellelo’s Furniture and Appliance, Bergeron’s on the Bayou, Blanchard’s Pharmacy, City of New Roads, Crazy Cajun Bin, Daiquiri Diner, D&D White’s Fitness, False River Antique Mall, First Baptist Church, First Student Office, Fontaine Lumber,

Lacour House, The Landing, Maggio Motors, Mi Ranchito, New Roads Motor Company, Parish Home and Farm, Patrick Queen’s All Pro Fishing & Tackle, Pointe Coupee Human Service Center, Pointe Coupee Pharmacy, Pointe Coupee Mercantile & More, Red Straw, The Sandbar, Southern Chicks, St. Ann Catholic Church, St. Augustine Catholic Church, St. Vincent Catholic Church, Synergy Bank, and Therapy Center.

We’d also like to thank First Student for donating a driver and bus for the day.

“Pack the Bus is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community unites around a common goal,” said Tracy Rutledge, Synergy Bank Capital Region Market President. “We appreciate everyone who contributed to this year’s drive

and are excited to continue building on its success to support local students for years to come.”

Families in need of school supplies should contact Tabitha Ransom or Kristin Ramsey at 225-638-8674.