More than 100 Harford County children with limited resources headed back to school in style this year, thanks to free haircuts and new school supplies donated by local businesses in partnership with county government.
In all, 124 children received haircuts from participating stylists at an event on August 23 held by the Harford County Department of Community Services and hosted by The EPICENTER at Edgewood. The free services were provided to families from Harford Family House, Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Anna’s House, Mason-Dixon Community Services, Extreme Family Outreach, SARC, and The EPICENTER, in addition to walk-ins.
Stephanie Clayton from Joppa brought in her two children and two nieces for a trim.
“This is awesome,” Clayton said. “The kids are really enjoying themselves and are very happy with their haircuts. They are excited to start the school year and make a good impression!”
Donating their time and talents were Becca Conte, Trishia Crosby, Erin DeGraw, Dawn Baker, and Liz Carl with NVS Salon & Spa; Kimber Tolson and Entria Arrington with KiCo Salon; Michelle Temel with Kuafor Hair Salon; Jacinda Gibbons with Perryville Classic Cuts; Leila Woods with Lluminaire Salon; and Lisa Gibson, Erika Brandt, Tracey Berry, and Nathanial and Mijiza Green.
NVS Salon & Spa co-owners Tammy Ehrbaker and Stathis Kotanidis were the first to volunteer services. They went an extra steps for those kids by entering each participant in their spa software, which enters each participant to a year long raffle on their name, many of these kids will be winning small treatments and gift certificates during the year to come.
“It was such a great experience. The girls truly enjoyed being there and shared some wonderful stories of the families they spoke with. I’m so appreciative Community Services reached out to us!” said Ehrbaker.
The children and their families also enjoyed pizza donated by Pat’s Pizza of Edgewood, drinks and snacks provided by the Harford Community Action Agency, and activities and games provided by The EPICENTER, the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy and Extreme Family Outreach. In addition, Kia’s Korner and Mountain Christian Church donated school supplies and backpacks, and provided volunteers for the event.
“For many Harford County families, getting a haircut for the first day of school is routine, but for some families it’s a luxury they cannot afford,” said County Executive Barry Glassman. “We are deeply grateful to the local stylists who donated their skills to lift up local families. Thanks to their efforts, and all of the businesses that came together for this event, many happy boys and girls started the new school year in style, feeling confident and ready to learn.”
Where at for. 2017 school year
Brenda,
We haven’t received any notice about this year yet, but once we do, we’ll have it posted.