Abounding Grace Ministries in Shreveport, Louisiana, will host its fourth annual back-to-school bash on Saturday, August 8, at its church located at 5700 Robert Street.

Event Details

The free community event is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature backpack giveaways, food, and encouragement for students preparing to return to school. Organizers said food for the event is sponsored in part by Caddo Parish.

Nicci Hardeman of Abounding Grace Ministries said the church has hosted the event for the past four years as a way to support local families and students. “We give backpacks, we serve food,” Hardeman said. “We just have a great time, and we like to introduce God to some of the kids so that they have something to hold on to while they’re going back to school.”

The event also highlights young speakers who share messages with their peers. Hardeman said the ministry intentionally invites young people to encourage other students. “We always try to get young people to come in and speak to the young kids, so that they can know that you too can be great,” Hardeman said.

Guest speaker Justin Gladney said he hopes students understand the value of education while also finding support through faith. “I hope that a lot of kids understand that school is very important, education is very powerful,” Gladney said. “I want all the kids to know, like when you’re going into school, you strive to be the best, strive to make friends, have fun.”

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.