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.