Longview back-to-school community fair helps parents offset cost of supplies

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - In the sweltering heat of August, a community event in one East Texas city gears up to prepare kids to go back to school and have a little fun in the process.

It was the “first” Longview back-to-school community fair. From free backpacks, books and school supplies, to a basketball camp, Broughton Recreation Center was a flurry of activity.

“We had people outside here at 11 o’clock, so we had to start earlier. We wanted to start at 12, but we had people outside waiting,” said Longview City Councilman Wray Wade.

There were health screenings, gift bags, and more important for the parents, lots of free school supplies.

“It’s wonderful for the community to come out in togetherness for an event like this. It’s a wonderful thing. With this economy, this is a wonderful thing the community is doing,” said parent Debonique Taylor.

“For us, yes, we have a house, three kids going into school, and trying to purchase every bit of that is astronomically high. And then, you’ve got to buy clothes,” said parent Brandy Husband.

Hosted by Councilman Wade, the focus was simple.

“It’s all about our community. It’s all about what we can do to help our community and make the lives of the people in our community a lot easier,” he said.

The basketball camp wasn’t just a shoot-around, either. Instruction in fundamentals was meant to foster future stars.

“We also want to groom the future Lobo basketball players, and what better way to do that than to have a back-to-school basketball camp,” Wade said.

There was literally something for everyone.

“I think all communities should do it. I think an annual would be great,” Husband said.

Around 300 to 400 people attended the fair at Broughton Park.

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