SHREVEPORT, La. — Local families gathered at A.B. Palmer Park on Saturday for a back-to-school giveaway and basketball tournament aimed at supporting students ahead of the upcoming school year.
 
The event was hosted by the nonprofit Keeping Families Together in partnership with Shreveport Parks and Recreation and Stormy Gage-Watts.
More than 200 free backpacks were available for students. Families also had access to community resources, including free dental services.
 
Organizer Letitia Scott Jackson, founder of Keeping Families Together, said the event was designed to give children support while encouraging them to stay active and engaged.
 
“We got over 200 backpacks in there,” Jackson said. “I’m just grateful for the support. I’m all about helping children change the trajectory of their lives.”
 
The event also featured a basketball tournament and appearances from community leaders and actor Myles Truitt.
 
Jackson said this was the first time the back-to-school event was held in Shreveport. She hopes to continue the event in the years to come and make it an annual opportunity for local families.