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A somewhat dormant community support organization is once again working to make a difference in Bogalusa and Washington Parish.

Earlier this month, the Bogalusa Community Action Organization (CAO) held a meeting to discuss upcoming projects, at the Love Outreach Family Worship Church on South Columbia Street. According to CAO president Joel Miller, the group has been active for years but it had slowed down some of its outreach as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Miller said there is now a strong focus in again making sure the CAO is a visible member of the community.

Already this month, the group has held a suit giveaway for fathers on the Saturday prior to Father’s Day, and they were also scheduled to give away extras this Saturday, June 26. The CAO also offered computer classes on Thursday.

The Rev. Vincent Price, pastor of Love Outreach Family Worship Church, is a member of the organization. He has also offered his church campus as a location for the CAO’s headquarters. Earlier this month, it stored the more than 500 suits that the group gave away to fathers in need.

“We just want to announce to the community and parish that there is a new organization here to help,” Price said.

Price noted that some of the past CAO members have passed away or moved, but there is a new active core of volunteers ready to get to work.

“This is going to be the epicenter for a lot of what we’re going to be doing,” Price said, motioning around his church.

One of the planned projects includes offering finance classes for children and young people, to teach them about the importance of money and saving. They also want to distribute helpful information about resources during hurricane season.

In the near future, the CAO will also have a school supplies giveaway for students in need.

“This group is all about the city and the community,” said Benjamin Lewis, a CAO member.

CAO outreach projects are open to any community member in need, regardless of race, religion or any other factor.

For more information about the CAO and upcoming projects, call Price at 985-294-4587 or email him at qualitycareministry@yahoo.com.