Back-to-school events across North Texas provide backpacks, shoes and support

The useful part

Organizers handed out 1,500 backpacks along with new shoes donated through partner Soles4Souls. Families browsed the giveaway as part of an event designed to feel more like a shopping experience than a traditional distribution. "We've got Nike, Adidas, Reebok, name brand shoes through our partner Souls for Souls who donated all of them to us," Dream Center Dallas Director Kacie Kintz said.

How it works

• Friday and spent the night sleeping on the grass to secure a place in line.
• "It's going to make me cry because I think the need is so massive and there's so many people that need help," Kintz said.
• Even after the line was closed, Kintz said families who missed out would still have opportunities to receive assistance through the organization's ongoing programs.
• "The good thing is, is we have programs that run all throughout the week, so it's not turning a family away and they're not going to not get something," Kintz said.
• For Jose Franco, who attended with his three children, the giveaway provided much-needed relief while his family continues to face financial challenges.

What to take from it

"I had an accident last year around August and I'm fighting for my benefits, I don't get any benefits right now," Franco said. Incoming ninth grader Azya Davis said she is looking forward to the transition to high school.

Example or evidence

• Eventually, the line wrapped around the building and had to be cut off.

Details worth keeping

Hundreds of families turned out for one of four Dallas ISD back-to-school events held this weekend at Dream Center Dallas, where students received free backpacks filled with school supplies and brand-new shoes to help prepare for the upcoming school year. The demand was so great that some families arrived as early as 7 p.m. "It's a lot of help right now for me," Franco said.