Shreveport, LA, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport, Louisiana, celebrated College Colors Day with local colleges featured prominently in the festivities. Various community organizations and businesses supported families through back-to-school giveaways, including essential items for students. Additionally, legislative efforts are underway to introduce a sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases. These events showcase the community’s commitment to education and inclusivity, making transitions easier for students and their families.
Shreveport Celebrates College Colors Day and Hosts Back-to-School Events
On August 29, 2025, Shreveport, Louisiana, marked College Colors Day, a festive occasion celebrating college team affiliations and spirit. The event showcased local colleges, including Centenary College of Louisiana, Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS), Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). In conjunction with these celebrations, various local businesses and community groups organized back-to-school activities aimed at supporting families as they transition back to school.
Community Back-to-School Giveaways
Several notable community initiatives stand out during this bustling period. Rice and Kendig Injury Attorneys led a drive-through backpack giveaway, distributing backpacks to 500 children in need. This initiative highlights the firm’s long-standing commitment to community service.
In another initiative, the Highland Center partnered with Maggie Lee’s Give for Good and Sports Spectrum to host a giveaway that provided essential items for students. This event resulted in the distribution of 250 uniforms and various apparel items, including socks, underwear, and hair accessories from Maggie Lee’s Closet, alongside 200 pairs of shoes from Sports Spectrum. Such efforts received positive feedback from parents who appreciated the support for families as they prepare their children for the school year.
Legislative Support for Back-to-School Items
On the legislative front, a proposed bill—House Bill 551—aims to establish an annual sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases on the first Saturday of August. This bill intends to cash in on the momentum from community giveaways by exempting sales tax on several essential items for students. Items covered include computers (like laptops and tablets), clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks, and instructional materials.
This initiative responds to previous budget considerations in Louisiana that prevented back-to-school tax holidays in 2018. The introduction of this bill comes on the heels of a new law enacted in 2023 that promotes sales tax exemptions for firearms during a special tax holiday on Labor Day weekend.
Annual Louisiana Believes in Education Act
Another piece of legislation, the Annual Louisiana Believes in Education Act, is proposed to commence on August 1, should it pass. This act aligns with the state’s initiatives to bolster educational resources and support for families during back-to-school planning.
Local Community Outreach Efforts
The Northwest Louisiana Resource Access Service Association (NWLA RASA) also contributed to the effort by hosting a School Supplies Regalo event on August 9. This special initiative aimed to promote educational support specifically within Latino communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and access to educational resources.
As students and families gear up for the new school year, these community events and legislative efforts demonstrate a united response to facilitate a smoother transition for students and parents alike in Shreveport and surrounding areas.
FAQ
What is College Colors Day?
College Colors Day is a nationwide celebration encouraging fans to wear their college’s colors and apparel, promoting school spirit and pride.
What schools participated in the Shreveport celebration?
Participating schools included Centenary College of Louisiana, Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS), Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC).
What types of items are included in the proposed sales tax holiday?
The proposed sales tax holiday would exempt tax on items including computers, clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks, and instructional materials.
How did local businesses contribute to back-to-school efforts?
Local businesses participated in back-to-school giveaways, such as distributing backpacks and school supplies to support families in need.
Key Features of the Events
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| College Colors Day | Celebration of college spirit and team colors in Shreveport. |
| Community Giveaways | Local businesses provide school supplies and backpacks to students. |
| Legislative Proposals | House Bill 551 aims to establish a sales tax holiday for back-to-school items. |
| Inclusivity Efforts | Events targeted at supporting specific communities, including Latino families. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
R.W. Norton Art Gallery Unveils New Orleans Art Exhibition
Young Professionals Initiative Reveals Honorees
Nationwide ‘Swatting’ Hoaxes Create Panic as Classes Begin
Northwest Louisiana High School Football Preseason Scrimmages Begin
Shreveport Launches Community Cleanup and Labor Day Festivities
Tremendous 13 Program Celebrates Top High School Football Talent
Shreveport Community Meeting Kicks Off One Shreveport Master Plan Update
LSU Student Balances Music Career and Academic Success
50 Cent Surprises Fans with Visit to Fit Nation Gym
LSU Student Balances Music Career and Education
Additional Resources
- WGNO: College Colors Day in Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Colors Day
- KTAL: Back-to-School Giveaways in Shreveport
- Google News: Shreveport Back-to-School Giveaways
- Shreveport Times: Sales Tax Holiday for School Items
- Google Search: Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday
- KTAL: Khaki Fair Uniforms Giveaway
- Google Scholar: Back-to-School Giveaways Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
