By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Hundreds of kids will go back to school with a fresh look and about 120 families will be better prepared for the upcoming school year thanks to the efforts of three barbershops and several other community businesses on Aug. 5.

From 1-5 p.m. on Aug. 5, The Pit Stop Barbershop at 9183 Alabama 119, Fresh Avenue Grooming and Style at 220 First Street North and Salon 119 at 149 Buck Creek Plaza continued an event begun last year when they opened their doors to provide free back-to-school haircuts to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the barbershops collected school supplies, backpacks and donations from area businesses and individuals to provide to those who came to the barbershops during the event. After participants received haircuts, the barbershops directed families to Alabaster’s Cultivate Church, which distributed the backpacks filled with school supplies.

When the event was over, the three barbershops completed 131 free haircuts during the event, and gave out 120 backpacks full of supplies, according to Ward 7 Alabaster Councilwoman Kerri Pate. Local businesses such as Hungry Howie’s and The Sassy Shopper also pitched in to ensure the families who participated in the event were fed and received extra gifts.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s event! We are so Blessed to be able to serve you all!! WE are the ones who are Truly Blessed!” read The Pit Stop’s Facebook page. “Without the commitment of the community we wouldn’t have been able to make this day possible! We Love you ALL and hope you guys have a great year!”

Fresh Avenue owner Eric Rashad called the event a “successful day,” and Salon 119 wrote “We had a great day today, giving back to our Alabaster Community! What a blessing to be able to serve,” on its Facebook page.