JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – An organization in Region 8 has teamed up with a local hair salon and barber school to ensure that children start the new school year looking their best.
GROW NEA will host its annual back-to-school rally on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Allen Park Community Center.
Founder Shaunta Johnson highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event. “We partnered with Ms. Terrell Patterson over at Ebony X and we also partnered with Mr. Timmy over at NEA School of Barbers,” Johnson said.
Terrell Patterson, co-owner of Ebony X Hair Salon, is calling on all stylists, regardless of their professional credentials, to volunteer for at least two hours. “You can be a braider or even a mom who has some skills and can braid, we want you to help,” Patterson said.
Patterson emphasized that while back-to-school haircuts for boys have been common, there has been a lack of styling services for girls.
Children are asked to arrive with clean, washed hair, and volunteers will be provided with food and refreshments as a token of appreciation.
Darius Sills, a student barber instructor at the NEA School of Barbering, expressed his excitement about participating in the event. “You don’t have to register; just show up. We’ll have as many barbers as we can, and we’ll do all that we can. Of course, we can’t cut everyone’s hair, but we’ll try to help as many as possible,” Sills said.