AUBURN, Maine — There are a lot of things on every student's back-to-school checklist—new supplies or backpacks, clothes, of course. For some, a fresh haircut is in order.
Hot Radio Maine and Crow's Nest barbershop in Auburn are partnering for their fourth annual Cuts for Class event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. During that time, students ages 18 and younger could swing by the shop for a free haircut. The event was first come first served, so organizers recommend students get there as early as possible.
Barbers are able to cut any kids' hair, and the event was open to all genders.
Last year, more than 140 haircuts were provided. Hot Radio Maine's program director Ryan Deelon said the goal this year is to break that record. As of 4 p.m. an early estimate of the number of fresh haircuts given was around 120, but that wasn't a final tally.
The goal of the event, Deelon said, is to ease the financial burden for families as they prepare for the school year.
"We know that things can get a little pricey heading back to school, with supplies and clothes, so it's just our way to help out," Deelon said. "I know when I was going back to school it was always important to have a fresh outfit, so you want to have a fresh haircut to go with that, so you look great on your first day of school."
Deelon said along with helping kids get free haircuts, it's also an opportunity for Hot Radio Maine DJs to meet listeners, community members, and students from the Lewiston-Auburn area. A lot of kids, Deelon added, may be moving to a new school this year, so the adults also get the added opportunity to talk with them about their new class and help calm any nerves they may have.
The event has allowed more than 500 kids to get a free haircut in the past four years.
"With the cost of everything rising, we hope this gesture of a free haircut will help kids and their families in the community feel great about the start of the school year," Deelon said in a station news release.
Cuttin' Above Barber Company in Cornish is also holding a free back-to-school haircut event on Monday. Participants were required to sign-up for their haircuts in advance.
This is the third year of that event, and kids who signed up for the free haircut will also be able to grab a school supply grab-bag. Any leftover supplies would be donated to local schools.
The barbershop will also have activities for kids and families to enjoy while they wait for their haircuts.