ALABASTER – Businesses along Alabama 119 in Alabaster are teaming up to provide free goods and services to students from Shelby County and their families at the 119 Gives Back to School event from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6.

The event is being organized by Pit Stop Barbershop owner Gray Keith, who recruited other businesses after he got the idea.

“I felt like I needed to help. I know it can be hard for parents this time of year,” Keith said. “We want to take some pressure off of some families, even if it’s something as simple as a haircut.”

During the event, Pit Stop and Salon 119 are providing students with free haircuts. Vouchers for free kids’ teeth cleanings by Boohaker Dental are also available. Free food is sponsored by State Sen. Cam Ward, Hungry Howie’s and A to Z Auto, and Marc 1 Car Wash will give out free gift cards.

While 119 Gives Back to School is not a city sponsored event, Alabaster city council member Kerri Pate said she and other city officials are proud of the event and those who are participating.

“We hope these things will get into the hands of people who truly need them,” Pate said. “It amazes me. It shows that we want to just wrap our arms around everybody in the community.”

Pate said she hopes that this year’s event is a success and that Alabaster businesses continue to host the event in the future.

Pate also encouraged other Alabaster businesses to contact her or Keith about how to join the event by calling 230-6201.

“I feel like this is something that could grow,” Pate said. “I hope that it catches on and gets bigger and bigger.”