PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Hundreds of children and families lined up for free haircuts and hairstyles to be ready for the first day of school.<\/p>\n
More than 70 barbers and beauticians with the Junior Beauty Academy volunteered their time for the annual Barbers Who Care event in partnership with the West Philadelphia YMCA.<\/p>\n
“We want to take time with the kids and also talk to them. For me personally, not just about a haircut, it’s more about giving them some confidence and letting them know somebody outside their family and in their community cares about them too,” said Mike Walker.<\/p>\n
Walker says he’s been participating in the event since it began 17 years ago. He says each year the event gets bigger.<\/p>\n
“We know how it feels to struggle with looking good and having confidence to go back to school with not having a fresh haircut,” said event organizer and barber, Kenny Duncan.<\/p>\n
Barbers Who Care is a local group committed to raising the self-esteem of youth through grooming.<\/p>\n
Besides haircuts and braids, students can also get free school supplies, free backpacks, books and health resources too.<\/p>\n
“Having to get their haircut, supplies and their clothes. It’s really expensive,” said Caliyah McCant. “These events are so needed.”<\/p>\n
Parents like McCant say they’ve watched cost of everything rise.<\/p>\n
The National Retail Federation projects spending for K-12 school supplies – including clothing, shoes, electronics and supplies – will reach record $43.3 billion this year, averaging $863.86 per household.<\/p>\n
“I’m in between blessings. I get paid on Friday. My son has to start school tomorrow. When I heard about it, I said sign me right on up,” said Breonna Peterson of West Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
Helping families save money is the reason Kenny Duncan says he organizes this event every year.<\/p>\n
“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,” said Duncan. “It’s priceless when you see the smiles.”<\/p>\n
The goal for Sunday’s event was to style more than 400 students.<\/p>\n
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