On the Bright Side
Posts
Get your calendars ready...

Get your calendars ready...

February 23, 2026

TOGETHER WITH

☀️SBC! Every now and then (more often than not), we come across a story that is moving, tear-jerking, and downright newsworthy. Our unfortunate reality is sometimes these stories get overshadowed by the heaviness of discourse created by networks designed to make you their product. We finally begin to recover from last week’s ‘big story’, then coincidentally, like clockwork, we’re hit with next wave of opinionated headlines, baiting us all against each other all for the sake of ratings. It’s disheartening and heavy.

Luckily, our community shows up each and every week; those stories just take longer to find. My sole purpose with OTBS is sharing them with you before your week is lost in the latest headliners. I wish I could fit every positive story I read in this newsletter about this community. Trust when I say, we’ve got a lot of great things and people here, SBC. Enjoy this week’s edition! #loveyourneighbor _{(Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.)}

In this issue, we’ll shine light on:

Roy’s Kids Auction Party details
Picture Day For All
Local Arena Football kicks off this Saturday

Let’s get our shine on!

Sponsored by Roy’s Kids

Roy's Kids is all about making life a little brighter for kids in Shreveport-Bossier. Started in 2010 by Michael Sean Powell in memory of his late brother, Roy, the nonprofit was inspired by Michael’s own childhood. Growing up in a single-parent household, he saw his mom work multiple jobs just to keep food on the table. Holidays like Christmas were especially tough, with few gifts to go around. Roy’s Kids was created to make sure children in similar situations get a little extra joy and support.

What began as a small Christmas gift drive has grown into a year-round effort. The organization provides school supplies, backpacks, bikes, and more, connecting directly with families to make sure kids get what they really need.

At Roy’s Kids, every child deserves a happy, worry-free childhood. We work with other charities and host events throughout the year to lift up kids who might otherwise be left out. Together, we’re building brighter futures, one child at a time.

Donations can be sent via Venmo @Roykids2601, or you can contact Mike directly at 318-218-1716.

Mark Your Calendars:

Roy's Kids Annual Auction March 21 Chef's Table by BeauxJax - Catered by Shaver's Catering.

_{Want to put your business out there? Send it}_here.

Subscriber Spotlight: Randy Roberson

Picture Day For All (Bossier Elementary)

“Hi, my name is Randy Roberson. For the past three years, I’ve helped lead a grassroots effort to make school picture day happen for Bossier Elementary. We partner with local photographers and community supporters to provide students with professional school portraits and printed photos they can proudly take home.

This project is called Picture Day For All, and the mission is simple: every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

We’re currently raising donations for the upcoming school year to cover photography services, printing, and delivery. If you’d like to donate or sponsor picture day, I’d be honored to have your support.”

Seriously, the sweetest smiles.

Upcoming Opportunities to help:
Picture Day for Volunteers of Youth Justice Foster Kids + VYJ Staff and Volunteers
April 25

If you’d like to get more involved, please reply to this email, and I will forward any information to Randy! Thanks in advance!

_{Know a local doing great things?}_{Send them}_{our way- let us tell their story!}

☀️ This Week’s Happy Highlights

🏈 LA Rouxgaroux Give Back Ahead of Season Opener

The Louisiana Rouxgaroux recently took part in the Mardi Gras parade, “The Magical Mardi Gras Journey,” alongside Louisiana Key Academy Caddo, Northwest Louisiana’s premier school for dyslexia. Players joined in to support students and families while celebrating inclusion in the community. The Rouxgaroux season opener kicks off THIS SATURDAY, Feb. 28 at Brookshire Grocery Arena. Come out and support the Pack!

SPD Receives Safety Supply Donation from Lowe’s

The Shreveport Police Department recently thanked Lowe’s of Shreveport for donating safety supplies to support its Investigations Bureau. Chief Wayne Smith and team members received the supplies, which will help detectives in their day-to-day work serving the community. Department leaders say partnerships like this show what’s possible when local businesses and first responders work side by side for Shreveport. 💙

Side Notes & City Talk

🎉 The Picklr officially opens at the Louisiana Boardwalk, bringing some life back to a huge local footprint. Go show your support!

☕️ The Sipp House is Far End District’s latest addition! Stop by, support local, and grab a cup of coffee- 1844 Texas Ave!

💵 Faith and Fostering is hosting a financial workshop, “Secure the Bag (the Right Way),” Wednesdays beginning March 4-April 29 in Shreveport. Participants learn practical money skills, enjoy dinner, and can enter gift card drawings, with financial assistance available for the $99 fee.

🗳️ Caddo Parish Commissioner John Paul Young announces his bid for Shreveport mayor. See what his plans include through the link!

👶🏾 Ochsner LSU Health has added Progressive Children’s Clinic to its network, now operating as Ochsner LSU Health Progressive Pediatrics located at 1919 Fairfield Ave.

📆 Featured Events of the Week

Check out local events this week here!

_{Have an upcoming event you’d like to promote? Send it in}_here!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC LINEUP 🎶

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Have a Blessed Week, SBC!

Love what you got?

Galatians 3:28