The University of Louisiana’s women’s basketball program joined forces with associate head coach Temeka Johnson’s nonprofit, Heaven Opens People’s Eyes, to distribute more than 350 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need.
A Community‑First Approach
Founded in 2008, Johnson’s organization seeks to empower those who cannot help themselves, using her platform to share a story of resilience and to inspire others to give back.
The giveaway took place at the Domingue Recreation Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, in collaboration with the Lafayette Parks Department, providing a convenient hub for families across the region.
Rapid Response to a Clear Need
Within less than an hour, every backpack was claimed, a testament to the significant demand for assistance in the community and the effectiveness of the partnership’s outreach.
Coach and Player Reflections
Head coach Gary Broadhead praised the event as a win for both the program and the city, noting that the long line of attendees confirmed the community’s pressing need and the team’s role in addressing it.
Point guard Jazmyne Jackson described the experience as heartwarming, emphasizing that community engagement is a cornerstone of the team’s emerging culture and that the atmosphere felt like a family gathering.
The initiative reflects the team’s broader commitment to social responsibility as it prepares for the upcoming basketball season, setting a precedent for future outreach efforts.