ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Volunteers are needed to help some Allentown School District kids shine for school pictures this fall.
Central Elementary plans to host a free haircut event on Oct. 10 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and is seeking barbers, stylists and braiders. The school’s picture day is Oct. 13.
- Barbers, stylists and braiders are sought to volunteer to help Central Elementary students
- The free haircut is set for Oct. 10, during the school's open house
- About 90 students got a service last year
The event was first held last year during the school’s open house night, said Megan Obleschuk, community schools coordinator for Central. She works for Community in Schools of Eastern PA, a nonprofit stationed in certain school districts providing support services aimed at helping students succeed.
“It was a huge hit with our families that we had a bunch of local barbers braiders and stylists come in,” Obleschuk said. “We received such good feedback from the families that participated in it that it was a huge help for them.”
She said she wanted to start free haircuts at Central after seeing other schools hold similar events.
“It's definitely a basic need. Haircuts are expensive.”
Megan Obleschuk, community schools coordinator for Central Elementary School
“Some people on my team, whether it be other stations in Allentown or up in Easton they hold one every year and it gets such a good turnout,” Obleschuk said. “And I was like you know, I want to try it, I think it'd be such a good help for our kids, especially right before picture day.”
They recruited about 10 or 11 licensed volunteers who came in and serviced about 90 students last year. Obleschuk said she hopes to top those numbers this year. She said about four or five people signed up so far, and she’s trying to recruit 12 to 15 people.
“You know, it's definitely a basic need,” she said. “Haircuts are expensive.”