Keesler Federal Expands Backpacks for Bright Futures to Three New Markets to Help Students, Parents

Keesler Federal Credit Union for four years has provided Mississippi Gulf Coast kindergarteners with the tools for starting their education journey. Through its Backpacks for Bright Futures sponsorship, it has donated backpacks and essential school supplies to more than 26,000 incoming kindergarteners.

In 2022, the credit union upped its commitment.

Keesler Federal expanded the program to the Hattiesburg and Jackson area markets in Mississippi and the Jefferson Parish School district in Louisiana.

The decision dramatically increased the numbers of students who benefitted. Previously Keesler Federal distributed approximately 6,500 backpacks and supplies to students across 17 school districts. This year that number jumped to more than 14,800 students in 26 school districts.

The supplies include a clear Keesler Federal backpack as well as a box of supplies that include scissors, markers, construction paper, glue sticks, erasers, etc.

“Purchasing needed school supplies can be a financial burden for families, and that is especially true in economic times with rising costs,” said Andy Swoger, Keesler Federal President and CEO. “These incoming kindergarteners are eager and excited about beginning school and we want to make sure they have the tools to properly start their educational journey.

“The feedback over the last three years from educators and parents has been incredibly positive and extremely gratifying. Keesler Federal strongly believes in supporting the communities we serve, and Backpacks for Bright Futures certainly is one of our most important giveback programs.”

The expansion also implemented the program in major markets as Jackson is Mississippi’s most populous city, and the Jefferson Parish Schools is the largest school district in Louisiana and the 98th largest nationally.

“I cannot think of a stronger mission than helping our children as they start school and their education progress,” Swoger said.

About Keesler Federal Credit Union
Established in 1947, Keesler Federal is a dynamic, stable, financially strong credit union dedicated to building a better community, one member, one relationship, one financial solution at a time. With over $4.4 billion in assets and $1 billion in new loans annually, Keesler Federal is the largest Mississippi-based credit union and the 80th largest nationally. The not-for-profit financial cooperative is owned by its more than 300,000 members worldwide and has 39 locations throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Mobile, and greater New Orleans markets. Keesler Federal proudly serves the financial needs of people from all walks of life, and membership is widely available to thousands who live, work, worship, or attend school in these areas.