Several local children walked away with an armful of free school supplies Friday as Great American Loans of Selma hosted a back to school giveaway.

Anthony Moore, location manager, said its important to invest in area youth and make sure they have all the necessary materials to go back to school — and that’s why Great American Loans hosted the event.

“I’ve been running great American loans for over 16 years, so this is our way to put something back into the community,” Moore said. “Our company is community oriented and we love to give back to the schools and different non-profit organizations.”

Children received a bag filled with items on back to school lists, which included notebooks, pens, pencils and an assortment of other supplies.

Moore said he along with several other employees went to Walmart to buy more than $1,000 worth of school supplies.

“We not only just give the school supplies to the kids, we also go out and give supplies to the school,” he said. “We went to Walmart and we bought exactly what they needed, so each bag has all the school supplies they need.”

Some area schools started class Monday while Selma City Schools and Dallas County Schools begin this Monday.

Before the school doors open, Moore said he wishes area students a happy and successful school year.

“We have great governmental officials and community members — and they all teach us to put back into Selma and that’s what we do,” he said.