For more than 50 Austin County students, heading back to school this year came with a fresh haircut, new school supplies and a little extra confidence thanks to a local tradition built around helping families.
The 6th Annual Back to School Jamboree was held Monday, Aug. 10, at Lety’s Salon in Sealy, where local stylists, volunteers and businesses came together to provide free haircuts and other back-to-school necessities to area students.
The event was started six years ago by Patty Renfroe with a simple goal: make sure Austin County students have an opportunity to begin the school year feeling good about themselves, regardless of a family’s budget.
That help can make a significant difference at a time of year when household expenses tend to pile up. With local haircuts typically costing anywhere from $25 to $45, getting several children ready for school can quickly become another substantial expense on top of clothing, shoes and school supplies.
This year, more than 50 students of various ages received free haircuts during the six-hour event.
From noon until 6 p.m., stylists worked steadily to keep up with the crowd. At times, those on the waiting list spent an hour or more waiting for their turn in the chair, but the atmosphere remained patient and upbeat as families visited and students waited for their back-to-school transformations.
Haircuts were provided by Patty Renfroe, Lety Becerra and Sharon’s Barber Shop.
The Jamboree offered more than haircuts. Students also received school supplies and beauty products, while volunteers served hot dogs, chips, cookies and water to families attending the event.
Helping make the afternoon possible were Angelina Ramirez, Shawna Lozano and Jasmine Becerra, along with additional donations from Melissa with Mellie’s Muffins & More and Cynthia Nunn with CJ’s Tax Service.
What began six years ago as an effort to help local students has grown into an annual example of neighbors helping neighbors.
For the students who attended the back to school jamboree, the afternoon meant a new haircut and a few more items checked off the back-to-school list. For their families, it meant one less expense during an already costly time of year.
And judging by the smiles leaving the salon, the Jamboree provided something that can’t be tucked into a backpack — a little extra confidence for the first day of school.
