Volunteers give free back-to-school haircuts in Laurel

LAUREL, Del. – “We just wanted every kid going back to school to feel great about themselves,” said the Laurel Elementary School Guidance Secretary, Donna Ward.

With every trim and every spray volunteers made sure that students attending Laurel Elementary School start their school year off right.

“Our job is to create lifelong learners and getting kids excited about school from day one after having hopefully a great summer is just part of it,” said the Laurel Elementary School Principal, Brandon Snyder.

Over 10 stylists and barbers from across Sussex County gathered at the Beauty for Ashes Salon & Spa on Sunday to make sure students start the new school year with a little more confidence and a new look.

“They’re receiving all the words spoken over them by the stylist or the barber that may be doing the hair,” said the Owner of Beauty For Ashes Salon & Spa, Tracy Worster.

“It’s something that words of affirmation that are being poured over them,” said Worster.

“It makes you look better,” said 7-year-old, Crys Christain.

“I really want to look like a princess riding a horse,” said 6-year-old, Charlie Rose Evans.

This is a small act of kindness that people like Donna Ward believe will help motivate students to do well in school and be successful.

“A lot of times if the kids feel good about themselves, they’re going to go out there and they’re going to be a friend of other people,” said Ward.

“They’re going to be good students, good listeners,” said Ward.

“It just helps boost who they think that they are, giving them a little smile on their face, making them feel better about themselves,” said Worster.

It is something the community says they hope will make a lasting impact on students as they continue to grow.

After kids got their haircuts on Sunday, they also received free new school supplies and t-shirts. Teachers at Laurel Elementary say they hope to make this an annual event.