Community event aims to boost students’ confidence before the school year
SHREVEPORT — Early Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter on Pines Road, volunteers helped children choose new shoes as the African American Celebration Parade Committee held its 22nd annual Back-to-School Shoe Giveaway. The event invited students aged 6 to 20 to pick a pair at no cost, with volunteers matching styles and sizes to ensure each child left with shoes that fit.
For many families, the giveaway is more than a free pair of shoes; it’s a practical support that eases household budgets and a confidence boost for students heading into a new semester. The drive has become a fixture in Shreveport’s summer calendar, and organizers point to the emotional as well as material impact of seeing children leave smiling, ready for school.
- Who: African American Celebration Parade Committee and community volunteers
- Where: Walmart Supercenter on Pines Road, Shreveport
- Who benefits: Students ages 6–20
Personal stories highlight local reach
Soon-to-be fourth grader Kingston Bandy was on hand and said he knew 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.”His comment underscored the straightforward, practical relief events like this provide to children preparing for classrooms and dress codes.
Founder Barbara Norton credited the volunteers and donors for sustaining the giveaway and emphasized the payoff she sees when children leave.
“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.”
Long-running program with measurable output
Since the program began, the committee reports it has provided more than 36,000 pairs of new shoes to children in the community. That cumulative total speaks to the giveaway’s sustained role in local efforts to help families prepare for school.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 22nd annual |
| Location | Walmart Supercenter, Pines Road |
| Age range served | 6–20 years |
| Total shoes provided (since inception) | More than 36,000 pairs |
The giveaway's longevity positions it among the local charitable traditions that help fill gaps left by strained family budgets and variable public resources. As families across Louisiana face rising costs for school supplies and clothing, community-led events in Shreveport are part of a broader pattern of nonprofit and volunteer efforts stepping into support roles ahead of the academic year.
Organizers said they intend to continue the program, relying on volunteers and community donations to maintain a steady supply of shoes for future back-to-school seasons. For many parents and children, that promise means one less worry as classes resume.
