Weather-Ready Emergency Backpack Festival Returns to Lake Charles
Aug 13, 2025 04:08PM ● By Kelsey Swire
The Weather-Ready Emergency Backpack Festival is back, providing free emergency preparedness backpacks, health education and screenings, and nutritious food to families in Lake Charles. With forecasts predicting a challenging hurricane season, this event is a vital lifeline for the community.
The event is Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church (910 N. Shattuck St., Lake Charles, LA 70601).
Last year, the drive-thru event served over 500 individuals. This year, organizers expect even greater turnout as it implements a full festival model. Thanks to generous sponsors and community partners, the event will distribute emergency backpacks filled with essential supplies for the first 300 families that attend, including:
The event is Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church (910 N. Shattuck St., Lake Charles, LA 70601).
Last year, the drive-thru event served over 500 individuals. This year, organizers expect even greater turnout as it implements a full festival model. Thanks to generous sponsors and community partners, the event will distribute emergency backpacks filled with essential supplies for the first 300 families that attend, including:
- 5-Gallon Water Container with Pour Spout
- Hand-Squeeze LED Flashlight
- Emergency Whistle with Carabiner
- Face Masks
- Waterproof Ponchos
- Survival Blankets
- 100-Piece First Aid Kit
In addition to preparedness kits, attendees will receive free health screenings, educational resources, and access to community services. There will be entertainment, raffles, food, drinks and fun activities for the kids.
Sponsors and Community Partners Include Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lake Charles Memorial Health System, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Healthy Blue of Louisiana, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna Better Health® of Louisiana, American Red Cross of Louisiana, and Equality Health LLC.