Back-to-school event boosts students' confidence and readiness with school supplies, bikes, and salon visits
Winthrop Town Center in Riverview was humming with excitement and a touch of anxious energy. Not only were the kids in the courtyard thinking about going back to school, they were also eagerly, and some, nervously, awaiting their first salon experience.
Hillsborough County's Office of Community Impact and Foil and Hue Salon hosted "Haircuts and Handlebars" on Aug. 4, a community giveback event for under-resourced students. All participants were preselected for their academic merit and scholastic achievements.
Back-to-school in style
Almost 30 children will head to class with fresh haircuts, school clothes, and personal hygiene products as a result of the event. A handful of lucky children won bicycles in a raffle.
Chelsea Rivas, co-owner of Foil and Hue Salon, wanted to give back to the community through the event. She understands from personal experience what it's like to grow up with limited financial means.
With tears in her eyes, she recalled how she didn't get a haircut in a salon until she was old enough to have a job and pay for the luxury herself. Providing such an opportunity to children from the same background is important to her.
"We hope that the students see that people do care, we want them to do well and be well," Rivas explained.
Sabrina Cuervo, a stylist at the salon, also stressed the importance of students feeling good about themselves.
"Every kid feels the nerves going back to school. Like maybe their friends - they want to impress, or maybe a little crush that they have. So, I think it's important to feel confident when going back to school," said Cuervo.
Dressed to impress
Students were also gifted new back-to-school outfits, shoes, and personal hygiene products. These items were provided by Oasis Opportunities, a nonprofit that provides clothing and fundamental necessities to economically disadvantaged students in Hillsborough County public schools.
Dawn Schulman, Oasis Opportunities' executive director, stressed how important it is for children to feel that they fit in with their peers. Having that sense of social acceptance allows students to concentrate on their academics.
In Schulman's words, when kids have what they need to feel confident, it's a "great start to a great school year."