Hundreds of Philadelphia students walked into the West Philadelphia YMCA on Sunday and walked out with fresh haircuts, free school supplies, and a boost of confidence. Barbers Who Care and its army of nearly 80 volunteer barbers and stylists provided these services.

School begins Monday for more than 100,000 students in the Philadelphia School District. The annual event aimed to ease the back-to-school crunch for families already stretched thin. The goal was to style more than 400 students before the first bell rings.

77 barbers from five states filled the chairs

Kenny Duncan, founder of Barbers Who Care, said 77 barbers and stylists from five states linked up for the event. Duncan owns Main Attraction Unisex Salon and is the barber for several Sixers players. He said he grew up in the area and met mentors through barbershops as a kid.

“My perspective is that young men spend more time in a barber shop than they do in a library,” Duncan said. “So mentorship takes place in the barber shop, and we have to be intentional about what we say, what we do to help inspire and then make an imprint on the next generation.”

The event was organized in partnership with the Junior Beauty Academy and the West Philadelphia YMCA. Besides haircuts and braids, students could pick up free backpacks, books, and health resources.

Greater Philadelphia YMCA CEO Joe Ferguson said the start of a new school year can be stressful for families, but even small efforts make a difference.

“We can’t do everything, but we can do a little bit,” Ferguson said. “We can do our part, and we owe it to ourselves to try to find ways we can partner with others that want to do their part.”

Parents say rising costs make the event essential

The National Retail Federation projects K-12 school supply spending will hit a record $43.3 billion this year, averaging $863.86 per household. For parents like Caliyah McCant, the free event is a lifeline.

“Having to get their haircut, supplies and their clothes. It’s really expensive,” McCant said. “These events are so needed.”

Breonna Peterson of West Philadelphia said she is between paychecks and her son starts school Monday.

“When I heard about it, I said sign me right on up,” Peterson said.

17 years of cuts, confidence and tears

Mike Walker, a barber based in Northwest Philadelphia, has participated in the event since it began 17 years ago. He said it gets bigger each year, and the emotional impact reaches barbers and parents alike.

“These kids walk out with confidence, a smile, and not just a good haircut: they walk out with a great haircut,” Walker said. “These barbers are not just zooming through. They’re actually taking their time and giving the children and the parents what they ask for.”

Duncan said the reactions keep him organizing year after year.

“When you hear the impact you’re having, not just on the parents, but the kids that’s changing the trajectory of their life, we got to keep doing it,” he said. “It’s priceless when you see the smiles.”

The first day of school for grades 1 through 12 is Monday. Kindergarten students start Thursday, Aug. 27. This is the last full school year before some Philadelphia schools close and others merge under a new facilities plan aimed at addressing aging buildings and declining enrollment.