When families think about what makes Lakewood such a special place to call home, our schools are always at the heart of the conversation. Behind so many of the programs, projects, and opportunities that help our children thrive is an organization that has quietly been making a lasting impact for  more than seven decades: the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA).

Since its founding 75 years ago, LECPTA has invested nearly $5 million into our neighborhood schools and community organizations. Its mission is simple but powerful—to enrich the lives of children and their families while supporting learning both at home and in the classroom. This spring alone, LECPTA distributed more than $500,000 to strengthen the Lakewood feeder pattern and invest in the future of East Dallas students.

This year's distributions included $150,000 for Lakewood Elementary, $105,000 each for J.L. Long Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School (including support for their Community Peace Pantries), $100,000 toward the Lakewood LEAPS playground project, and $48,000 in grants benefiting four Title I elementary schools throughout the feeder pattern.

One of LECPTA's most meaningful initiatives is its annual grant program, launched in 2021 to support Title I elementary schools within the Lakewood feeder pattern. This year, Geneva Heights Elementary, Mount Auburn STEAM Academy, Oran M. Roberts Elementary, and William Lipscomb Elementary each received $12,000 to fund projects that directly benefit students and teachers.

The organization has also expanded its support to meet growing community needs. Community Peace Pantries at J.L. Long and Woodrow Wilson each received $15,000 to help provide food and essential resources for students and families facing food insecurity. In addition, for the second year in a row, LECPTA awarded $100,000 to the Lakewood LEAPS organization, helping fund an exciting playground renovation at Lakewood Elementary that will create a more accessible, inclusive space for children of all abilities and ages.

These investments are made possible because of neighbors and local businesses who believe in giving back.

Whether you're a parent of an incoming kindergartner, new to the neighborhood, or simply looking for a meaningful way to become more involved, LECPTA offers a welcoming place to connect. Membership includes family events, age-based playgroups, GroupMe communities, volunteer opportunities, and signature events like the Home Tour and Auction Party—all while supporting the schools that make Lakewood such an exceptional community.

For just $45 per year, your membership helps fund programs, classroom enhancements, teacher support, community initiatives, and opportunities that will benefit Lakewood families for generations to come.

As we celebrate this year's incoming kindergarten class on our cover, it's also the perfect time to recognize the volunteers and neighbors behind the scenes who continue investing in every child's future. When you support LECPTA, you're not simply joining an organization—you're strengthening the community that makes Lakewood home.