SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport families and students gathered at Galilee Baptist Church on Saturday for a back-to-school bash offering school supplies, personal care services and wellness resources ahead of the new school year. The event provided 500 backpacks, along with free haircuts, braiding services, sanitary products and other resources. Medical providers and counselors were also on hand to offer wellness services to the community. Organizers said the goal was to do more than provide students with school essentials. They wanted to support students physically, mentally, socially and emotionally while helping them build confidence for the school year. “It’s like a one-stop shop,” organizer Anuary Rhodes Mahoney said. “We’re trying to equip our children for the classroom ... So we’re trying to cover everything — the physical, the mental, the religious, social, emotional. All of it.” Galilee Baptist Church Pastor Craig Collier said the event reflects the church’s commitment to the community. “Galilee has always had a presence in the community, and so it’s our hope to continue that tradition,” Collier said. Major Alexander, a student who attended the event, said the free resources are helping set a positive tone for the school year. “They give out free backpacks ... free haircuts, you know, hygiene,” Alexander said. “That’s just a blessing. And I feel like this is a good way to just set the tone of the school year that somebody is giving back to me.” The bash ended at 1 p.m. Saturday, but Galilee Baptist Church will continue its back-to-school festivities Sunday with a pep rally during its worship service at 10:15 a.m. Students are encouraged to wear school-spirit attire.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Galilee Baptist Church is helping local families prepare for the new school year with a back-to-school giveaway and community resource fair designed to support students both inside and outside the classroom.The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature the distribution of more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies. Organizers will also provide hygiene kits, positive affirmation items, free haircuts, and free braiding services to help students start the school year with confidence.“We want to help our young people and the parents with just some of the basic needs,” said Anuary Rhodes Mahoney. “Costs are getting more expensive, and if we can help a little with that, then that's what we're here for.”In addition to the giveaways, several community organizations will be on hand to provide information about counseling services, healthcare resources, school safety, and other family support programs.The church is also expanding its efforts this year with a communitywide back-to-school worship service and pep rally on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 10:15 a.m. The event will honor educators, support staff, and school personnel while encouraging students as they begin the academic year.Organizers say the goal is to equip students physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for a successful school year.