FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Hundreds of Federal Way students received free haircut before their first day of school next week.
The city partnered with dozens of hair stylists to put on the free event.
"People raised their hands and donated their day and I'm just so grateful for it," said Kristin Speakman, the owner of Bella Red Salon.
She is also the one responsible for spearheading this back-to-school free haircut event at Town Square Park. Speakman isn't alone in her efforts to make sure these kids look and feel good. Nearly 50 other hairstylists are supporting the cause.
A gesture, she said as a mother of two, that is much appreciated.
“Last year we had families last that shared with us, they had to choose between a haircut and new shoes,” said Speakman. “And the obvious answer is going to be the shoes. So having an event like this is so parents don't have to make that choice."
Speakman said this is the second year she and other local businesses are offering these free services.
"There's so many challenges in our community,” said Jim Ferrell, the Federal Way Mayor. “This is really one of those stories that makes you smile."
Mayor Ferrell is proud of his community for stepping up and coming together right before the school year.
"I think that there are so many people that want to help and maybe sometimes they don't quite know exactly how to help or how to take that first step,” said Ferrell. “But this was a great idea."
Speakman estimates by the end of Tuesday more than 500 students would receive a haircut. She hopes other hair salons and barber shops in Washington will consider collaborating with their cities to put on similar events.