When Piggott FBLA chapter officers learned last spring that the community’s annual Backpack Bash would not be held due to allocated funding for school supplies, they immediately set out to ensure local families would still have access to resources before the school year began. Determined to uphold the spirit of the long-standing event, the officer team spent the summer planning and organizing the first-ever Playground Party, held at the elementary school playground on the evening of Open House.
The students at Piggott High School in Arkansas partnered closely with the Piggott Chamber of Commerce and coordinated with numerous local businesses, churches, and organizations who came together to support the effort. Thanks to this collaboration and local outreach, families were able to enjoy a variety of resources including free school supplies, clothing, haircuts, and community giveaways, all while fostering a welcoming and family-friendly environment. 
What began as an unexpected challenge became an impactful community service project for the chapter. The Piggott FBLA chapter is proud of its members’ leadership and perseverance and extends sincere gratitude to every business, organization, and volunteer who contributed to the success of the Playground Party. Together, and in conjunction with the FBLA mission to create community-minded business leaders, the Piggott FBLA chapter ensured that their students started the year feeling supported and celebrated.
Submitted by Stacey Peters, Piggott High School, Arkansas FBLA