ULM Child Care Program Holds Mardi Gras Parade to Benefit Food Bank

The Emily Williamson Lab School collected over 100 canned goods for the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Emily Williamson and Lab School at the University of Louisiana at Monroe held a Mardi Gras parade on Warhawk Circle to collect food donations for the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank. The child care program, which serves children from 6 weeks through pre-K, set a goal of collecting 100 canned goods and exceeded that target with help from the university, parents, and students.

Why it matters

The food drive was inspired by the effects of a recent winter storm, which had caused power outages and damage in the local community. The parade provided an opportunity for the school to give back and help families in need during the Mardi Gras season.

The details

The Emily Williamson & Lab School organized the Mardi Gras parade to collect canned goods for the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank. Lead teacher Alexus Washington said the parade was a chance for students to explore outside the classroom and learn about kindness and helping others. Student Haylie noted that the food bank helps people in need, and that giving back is important.

  • The parade was held on Warhawk Circle at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

The players

Emily Williamson & Lab School

A child care program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe that serves children from 6 weeks through pre-K.

Northeast Louisiana Food Bank

A food bank that serves the Northeast Louisiana region.

Stacy Key

The assistant director of the Emily Williamson & Lab School.

Alexus Washington

A lead teacher at the Emily Williamson & Lab School.

Haylie

A student at the Emily Williamson & Lab School.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody had issues with the ice storm, families here included, no power and trees falling on their house. So collecting the food we thought would be helpful for the families in the community.”

— Stacy Key, Assistant Director, Emily Williamson & Lab School (KNOE)

“The parade provided a teaching opportunity for students to explore outside the classroom and learn about kindness and helping others.”

— Alexus Washington, Lead Teacher, Emily Williamson & Lab School (KNOE)

“The food bank helps people and that giving back is important.”

— Haylie, Student, Emily Williamson & Lab School (KNOE)

The takeaway

This Mardi Gras parade demonstrates how a local child care program can come together to support the community during times of need, teaching valuable lessons about kindness and giving back to those less fortunate.