SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — As students get ready to head back to the classroom, families across the Shreveport-Bossier area are getting support from local organizations working to make the start of the school year a little easier.

Community groups hosted back-to-school giveaways Saturday, providing students with free uniforms, school supplies, haircuts and other resources ahead of the first day of class.

The effort comes as families continue to feel the impact of rising back-to-school costs. According to the National Retail Federation, parents are expected to spend an average of $864 per K-12 student this year, with total spending projected to reach $43.3 billion nationwide.

In Bossier City, North Point Community Church hosted a free school uniform giveaway at Meadowview Elementary School, where families picked up new shirts, uniform bottoms and other school essentials.

Students were able to select items they needed, leaving with new uniforms and a boost of confidence before returning to school.

“I’m pretty excited. Middle school is going to be tough, but I know I can get through it,” said student Ary Walters.

North Point Community Church Pastor Clarissa Stephens said the giveaway was focused on helping students feel valued and prepared.

“We believe that every child should be able to go back to school with dignity,” Stephens said. “There’s something about that fresh, new uniform that just makes you feel good about yourself.”

Stephens said the church also wanted to help teachers, who often use their own money to provide for students.

“We just want to come alongside families who are our neighbors. These are our kids, and it matters to us,” she said.

The event also included free lunches, popsicles and refreshments.

Meanwhile, the David Raines Community Center in Shreveport hosted its annual back-to-school giveaway, bringing together community partners to provide families with free physicals, haircuts, uniform vouchers, school supplies and other resources.

Families also enjoyed lunch and activities throughout the day.

David Raines Community Development Coordinator Char Thomas said seeing families take advantage of the resources was rewarding.

“I’m just happy about the turnout here today,” Thomas said. “It usually is a big turnout every year. I’m just happy to see people being able to get some of these resources.”

Barber Frank Tidwell said events like this allow the community to give families encouragement during challenging times.

“It means a lot because some people don’t have the things that regular, normal people have on a daily basis,” Tidwell said. “So it’s good to give back and give people hope.”

Shreveport resident Amanda Gray said the giveaway was a valuable resource for families preparing for the school year.

“It’s hard right now, so this is a good thing they’re doing for these kids,” Gray said.

Organizers said the goal was to make sure students have the tools they need to succeed while reminding families they have support from their community.