GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As families across West Michigan prepare for the start of a new school year, one Grand Rapids organization is helping take some of the financial pressure off families.
Endless Opportunities hosted its annual Back to School Celebration at the Baxter Community Center on Sunday. The event is now in its 15th year, offering students free haircuts and hairstyles, school supplies, hygiene products, food and games. The event is designed to help students head back to school feeling prepared and confident.
"There's no better feeling when you get out of the barber chair and you have a nice line and a nice haircut," said Alvin Hills IIII, co-founder of Endless Opportunities. "We know that if students feel good, they'll perform better in school. When you have a fresh cut, you walk a little taller, stick your chest out, you have a little bit more confidence and belief in yourself."
For eight-year-old Noah Sage, the free haircut was a simple way to start third grade feeling fresh.
"It feels good to get your haircut," Noah said. "I feel brand new."
Endless Opportunities was founded by Alvin and Tanell Hills who wanted to give back to communities where they saw a need. Organizers say rising costs have made events like this increasingly important for families.
"With the cost of everything rising, we can remove that burden from families," said co-founder Tanell Hills. "That's one aspect for the school supplies but also taking the burden and sending the kids back to school with confidence, with a fresh haircut and a fresh hairstyle."
The National Retail Federation projects families will spend more than $863 per child on back-to-school items this year, including school supplies, clothing, shoes and electronics.
For Noah's mother, Elizabeth Sage, the free supplies have helped ease some of that financial strain.
"I'm financially strapped right now," she said. "But these are helping because he's gotten a lot of supplies for school so now we don't have to worry for a little bit."
Sage said she hopes to see more events offering free resources to families.
"We definitely need more events like this and resources," she said. "I feel like they're important because a lot of parents are not able to provide these necessities for schools."
Organizers also say they're focused on helping the ones teaching these kids, who often spend their own money on classroom supplies.
"We want to take some of that burden off the educators as well," Tanell Hills said. "We know that teachers have a limited budget. A lot of times they're coming out of their pocket as well."
Endless Opportunities had about 400 backpacks available for students at the event. They said their was a line out the door when the event began. The organization hopes the resources will help students start the school year with the supplies they need and the confidence to succeed.
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