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. Organizers handed out 1,500 backpacks alo ng 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. The demand was so great that some families arrived as early as 7 p.m. Friday and spent the night sleeping on the grass to secure a place in line. Eventually, the line wrapped around the building and had to be cut off. “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. “It’s a lot of help right now for me,” Franco said. “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. The event also built excitement for the first day of school. Incoming ninth grader Azya Davis said she is looking forward to the transition to high school. “Ninth Grade? Yes, ma’am. High school, let’s go! Yeah!” Davis said. “Honestly, I’m just really excited to see new experiences and make new friends, gain new memories.” Davis said. Across the Metroplex, Arlington ISD hosted its own back-to-school kickoff at ATT Stadium. District leaders said more than 8,000 backpacks would be distributed. In addition to free school supplies, families also had access to dental screenings, health screenings and free haircuts. “We know we’re giving away over 8,000 backpacks today,” Arlington ISD Superintendent Matt Smith said. Smith said the goal is to help students feel confident and prepared before they walk into the classroom. “With that first day, when students walk in our doors, we want them to feel successful right from the start,” Smith said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less