SHREVEPORT, La. — Helping students return to school with confidence was the goal Saturday as the African American Celebration Parade Committee hosted its 22nd annual Back-to-School Shoe Giveaway, providing free shoes to children ahead of the new school year.
 
The giveaway took place at the Walmart Supercenter on Pines Road, where students ages 6 to 20 were invited to pick out a new pair of shoes. Volunteers helped each child find the right size and style before leaving with their new footwear.
 
Soon-to-be fourth grader Kingston Bandy said he knew exactly what he wanted.
 
"I was looking for some black shoes that would go with any outfit I put on," Bandy said. "I'm very excited, and I really want to thank this community."
 
Barbara Norton, founder of the African American Celebration Parade Committee, said seeing the children's excitement and renewed confidence makes the event worthwhile.
 
"To see these children walk out of here carrying a pair of shoes in their hands and smiling, with their self-esteem up, it just makes me feel good," Norton said. "We know there are so many people who need the services we're providing, and we're going to continue bringing smiles to their faces."
 
The annual giveaway has become a longstanding tradition in Shreveport. Since its inception, the African American Celebration Parade Committee has provided more than 36,000 pairs of new shoes to children throughout the community.
 
Norton said she hopes the organization will continue giving back and helping local families for many years to come.

Originally published on ktbs.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

Tags

(0) comments

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.

Post a comment
Stop watching this discussion.