Alexandria, LA (11/23/2025) – The Rapides Parish School Board partnered with the Governor’s Office and Walmart to provide Thanksgiving meals for Rapides Parish families today at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. The outreach supported 600 families.
The event brought together state leadership, corporate partners, and local organizations. The goal centered on ensuring that families in need could celebrate Thanksgiving with a full meal. It also demonstrated the strength of public and private cooperation.
Walmart stores across Louisiana contributed resources and personnel. Local Walmart managers and staff coordinated closely with counterparts statewide to expand the effort and double last year’s total.
The Alexandria Fire Department supplied logistical support. JROTC cadets from ASH, Bolton Academy, and Peabody Magnet High School moved, sorted, and distributed meals. Pineville High School football players loaded turkeys into a freezer truck before the event began.
Organizations
Superintendent Jeff Powell praised the collaborative work. “Today’s event shows what we can accomplish when government, business, education, and the community work with one purpose,” Powell said. “The generosity of our partners will allow hundreds of families to share a full Thanksgiving meal.”
Walmart Marketplace Manager Jennifer McCloskey highlighted the growth. “In 2023, we partnered with the governor’s office and served 300 families. I asked if we could host it here in Alexandria. The Baton Rouge stores paired with our stores here, including the Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets. This year we donated 600 turkeys and meals. We are already talking about next year. One manager said, ‘We have to do 800.’ It feels good to help your community and see so many students volunteer.”
Azar Kayal of the Governor’s Office said the partnership continues to grow. “Today we worked with Walmart to serve the community during the holiday season,” he said. “The school board identified families who needed meals. Many agencies stepped forward, and we are grateful. The fire department helped. LSUA supported the effort. The students and ROTC programs did an outstanding job. When people work together, we reach more families each year.”
Walmart Managers
RPSB offered a special acknowledgment to Walmart managers and staff across Louisiana for coordinating transportation, logistics, store support, and distribution.
Market Managers
Joy Kibaar
Todd Jabbia
Rachel Nash
Neighborhood Market Managers and Staff
Jennifer McCloskey
Kati Mitchell
Darnella Singleton
Montrell Webster
Timeka Brooks
Felicia Evans
Hunter Mitchell
Bill Rapko
Ashti Saeed
Laura Walters
Aisha Meady
Cabrina Williams
Antira James
Supercenter Managers and Staff
Rachael Dalton
Tyler Montpelier
Jlownie Ransaw
Blair McManus
Michael Thompson
Distribution Center
Arturo Guizar
RPSB also thanked RLC Trucking, Petron, Rental Gallery, the Alexandria Fire Department, the Alexandria Police Department, ROTC programs, Pineville High School football players, and all volunteers.
The event highlighted the community’s shared commitment to service and set the foundation for an even larger effort in 2026.
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